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Language:
English
Series:
Part 1 of What Could Have Been Us
Stats:
Published:
2026-01-19
Completed:
2026-02-19
Words:
83,451
Chapters:
22/22
Comments:
57
Kudos:
98
Bookmarks:
18
Hits:
2,324

I Should Have Made You Stay

Summary:

Mingi and Yunho were born into each other's lives—neighbors, brothers, two halves of a whole. But high school has a way of pulling people apart. Yunho steps into the spotlight while Mingi disappears into black hoodies and silence. New people fill the gaps: Wooyoung with his loud love, San with his possessive grip. Years of bad timing and hidden truths stretch between them like a chasm.

But some bonds don't break. They just wait.

Through betrayal, heartbreak, and the fragile hope of a second chance, Mingi and Yunho have to face the truth they've been running from since they were five years old. It was always Yunho for Mingi. It was always Mingi for Yunho. They just didn't realize that sometimes, "see you soon" is a promise life won't let you keep.

Inspired by If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: Chapter 0: Author’s Note & Disclaimer

Chapter Text

Dear Readers,

Welcome to I Should Have Made You Stay. 🖤

If you are reading this, it means you are about to step into the world of Mingi and Yunho. Thank you. Thank you for clicking, for giving these boys a chance, and for trusting me with your time and your heart. This story was born from a deep love for Laura Nowlin's If He Had Been With Me, a book that shattered me in the best way possible. If you haven't read it, I highly encourage you to do so—it is the soil from which this story grew.

Before we begin this journey through the What Could Have Been Us series, I have a few gentle requests and reminders for you.

It is a story about love, but also about the cracks that form when love isn't enough to stop the world from turning. There will be tears. There will be anger. There will be moments where the weight feels unbearable.

🌼 A Note on You I need you to hear this, just as much as I needed you to hear it in the sequel: You matter.

If at any point the weight of this story feels too heavy—please step away. Close the tab. Drink a glass of water. Step outside and feel the sun on your face. Text someone who loves you. Your mental health is more important than any update schedule or a fanfic chapter. You are not alone. Your pain is valid, but it is not the end of your story. Be gentle with yourself today. You are seen. You are worthy. You are loved.

📅 Posting Information

  • Total Chapters: 20 Chapters
  • Status: Completed
  • Sequel: Book 2 (If You Were Here) is available/posting separately.

If you need hope after the ache… I'll be waiting for you in Book 2.

With all my love and gratitude,

🖤✨

P.S. Go hug someone you love today. I mean it. And if no one is near—hug yourself. You've earned it. 🌼