Winter, 9 years ago.

"Chunghee ...."

I turned to him. Lee Donghwa was lying on his back with both hands supporting his head. I also slightly shifted my body and laid on his arm, then asked, "What's wrong?"

He sighed softly, then turned to look at me, who was currently waiting for him to say something. However, he didn't answer immediately, but he kissed me on the lips so that I could feel his warm and soft lips, like genuine affection.

It didn't last long. As soon as our lips parted, I could see that his face wasn't as cheerful as usual. Without that big smile on his face, I could tell that he wasn't all right.

I asked him once again, "Donghwa, what's wrong?"

Lee Donghwa stared at me for a long time. There were worry and uncertainty in his eyes. Then, he responded with disappointment in his voice, "I was fired from my job because I didn't finish the product on time ...."

Hearing those words, I immediately woke up from a lying position. I stared at him with a frown, showing a fierce expression that was startled him. However, as I thought that I needed to do it, I immediately scolded him like a woman.

I was irritated. It wasn't that he was fired from his job, but that was he never wanted to ask me for help in solving his problems and chose to remain silent while thinking many things through alone. I couldn't accept all of that even though I knew that he just didn't want to burden me with his own problems.

However, having a relationship wasn't only for mutual love, sex, and just giving news, but also to share feelings of sadness and happiness.

Love meant one taste. I wouldn't forget what he said two years ago. He said it very clearly. It wasn't easy for me to forget it even if someone forced me to pretend.

But, I didn't want to get lost in this resentment. I took a silent breath, let it out slowly, then said in a low tone, "Next time, you have to ask me for help. Don't take your own troubles. Don't forget that I'm here for you."

Lee Donghwa lowered his gaze a little, "I don't want to get you into trouble ..."

I took a silent breath once again. I understand his words quite clearly. However, right now we were lovers. We had been in this relationship for two years, but he didn't want to be open to anything yet.

He laughed hollowly, then spoke, "Huh, bad day for me. I have to find a new job asap. Otherwise, I will be kicked out of this place."

He smiled when he said his words and amazed me. Even though he was in serious trouble, he could still respond with a smile. It made my sadness slightly disguise and hugged him tightly while saying, "I have savings. Don't worry. You can stay at my place too if you want."

He sighed, "Hmm, I'll find a job shortly. I'll try hard for you ..."

Those words were his generosity, and it would never turn me away from him.

Currently, our relationship was in its second year. There were many problems and that was normal for lovers.

In a relationship, be it as a partner, friend, or relative, was part of life, so it didn't guarantee constant harmony.

A problem didn't become a problem if we as people in a relationship were able to solve the problem together.

Having a relationship meant that we weren't alone, but together, in three, four, or more.

The problems in a relationship required cooperation. Trusting was the key and it would be the benchmark of a collaboration.

However, if selfishness led in either one of us, then it would make a problem even more problematic.

Donghwa wasn't a tough person. He might be a temperamental person, but he would never yell at me or even hit me. That's what made our relationship last even though there were many problems and difficulties in this relationship.

I was thankful. God didn't show His wrath by giving problems that could still maintain our relationship.

Now, I worked at a fairly large company in the middle of the city, as an employee for one year, and Donghwa worked for a private company for almost two years.

After he lost his job, I always helped him to find a new job, by looking in the newspapers or anywhere that matched his skills.

It was quite difficult to find a job, but we always enjoyed it. Seemingly, it wasn't bad when Donghwa lost his job. I was confused to be sad or even grateful as this togetherness made our relationship even closer.

A week later, Donghwa came to my place in chaos. Even though he covered it with a smile, the fatigue was still visible.

I brought him a drink, while he was looking down as if he was lamenting something. I lifted his chin to look at his face and saw the deep sorrow in his eyes, but he immediately turned his face away as if he tried to hide it.

With great effort, he spoke, "I ... haven't found a job ... I'm exhausted."

I had never seen him with such a lifeless facial expression, and I didn't like it. It truly broke my feelings, so I hugged his body as my concern.

However, when he was in my arms, the thing that was surprised me the most was when he was crying with trembling hands.

I let him crying while trying to hold back my tears. However, it was useless. Hearing the cries of someone who I thought was so strong made my tears roll instinctively. Realizing my sadness. he wiped my eyes instantly.

"Chunghee, I need your help ... maybe ..." he lowered his gaze, without continuing his words.

I touched his face and asked in tenderness, "Donghwa, say it, what do you need?"

I would never mind if he asked me for help. It even made me pleased when I heard that he needed something from me.

He raised his gaze, looking at me with grief in his eyes, "This week I have to pay my place ... and I haven't found the money yet." he looked away and grumbled, "Ugh! This is really embarrassing."