Chapter 9: I could roughly understand just how obsessed they are with me

She extended her hand. “Just listen to me, and we’ll be happy together. Okay?”

I felt drawn to her hand, as if hypnotized. It seemed like a lifeline.

“Right, Yunha? Let’s live together. Just listen to Unni, and we’ll be happy.”

I reached out, then stopped. The resolve to resist her returned. I pulled my hand back. Her face darkened.

“Yunha, what is it now? Why? You can be happy if you just listen to me. I promise. So… let’s live together.”
“No. I can find happiness on my own. Stay out of my life.”

That was true. I could be happy without her. I wasn’t so incompetent that I couldn’t find my own happiness. I would show her. I would live the happy life she envisioned for me, but on my own terms.

“But what if you have another episode like earlier? What if you lose control and hyperventilate again? You’ll be a burden to others.”
“You’re the burden right now.”

Her words stung, but I refused to back down.

She clenched her fists in frustration. She hadn’t expected this resistance. It felt good.

“…Yunha, listen to me while I’m still being reasonable.”

It was a final warning. The atmosphere grew heavier. The mood in my apartment swung wildly, like a rollercoaster.

This is suffocating. Why can’t she just give up and go home? This is obsessive. It’s almost like a mental illness…

“Yunha, did you just think I have a mental illness?”
“Wh-What…? N-No…”

She’d read my mind. It was unnerving. The extent of her obsession was terrifying.

“G-Get out! Just… leave!” I shouted, my voice trembling.

Her expression shifted again, then she stood, gathered her clothes, and spoke. She’s finally leaving!

“Fine, I’ll go. See how you manage on your own. Call me if you need anything. I’ll answer then.”
“Just go!”

She opened the door and left. I didn’t hear her muttered words, “You think it’s hard for me to ruin your life?” I was too busy celebrating.

I should get dressed first.