Trapped in My Ex's Love

Eight Years Ago

"I want to break up."

Langit froze at Bintang's words. Why was she asking to end their relationship when everything between them had been fine?

"What's wrong? Why are you asking for a breakup? What did I do? Isn't our relationship perfectly fine? Don't joke around, Bin. This isn't funny." Langit assumed Bintang was teasing him the way she had before, when she pretended to break up only to ask him out again moments later.

"I really want to break up. I'm not joking, El." Bintang spoke with a serious expression. There was not a trace of hesitation when she said she wanted to end things with him.

Langit stared at her in silence, trying to judge whether she truly meant it or if she was simply trying to mess with him.

"Say it. Give me your reason for wanting to break up with me!" Langit demanded clarity. He refused to believe she genuinely wanted to end a relationship that had only lasted a few months-despite the fact that he had loved her for years.

"I'm bored. I'm bored of you, of this relationship. I can't continue it," Bintang replied. She didn't look sad or guilty at all when she decided to end what they had.

"That's it? That's the reason you're breaking up with me? Just because you're bored of me? What kind of joke is that, huh!" Langit truly could not accept such a reason.

"Yes, I'm bored. Besides, from the beginning, haven't you known that you were just a distraction for me? Come on, don't be so naive. We're young. Whatever we're feeling is nothing more than puppy love. We don't even know if we're meant to last. What we have is just a momentary thrill. There's no genuine love between us." Bintang tried to make him believe that her words were not a joke. She said them with full awareness and a decision made after long consideration.

They were talking beside the school building right after classes ended.

Langit still couldn't accept Bintang's decision. He clenched his fist and slammed it against the wall right beside her head.

Bintang flinched at his sudden action but tried to stay composed as she looked at Langit holding back his emotions. His stare was sharp, his eyes red as he fought to contain his anger.

"Say it! Tell me it's not true! Tell me you're just joking about breaking up, Bin!" Langit shouted, refusing to accept it.

He had worked so hard to win Bintang's heart. He had pursued her for years, and now, just when he finally had her, she wanted to leave. Langit simply couldn't accept it.

Bintang remained firm-no tears, no regret, no guilt. She held his gaze even with his face so close to hers. He looked like he was on the verge of exploding.

"It's true, El. I will still break up with you. Whether you want it or not. Agree or disagree. I will still end this relationship. We can stay friends, El. But not as lovers. I know we started dating because of fleeting feelings. Sooner or later, we'll get tired of each other. When that time comes, we'll still end up separated," Bintang said calmly.

Langit was furious, especially because it felt like she was belittling his love-love that had always been sincere, reserved only for her. He couldn't take it anymore and grabbed her nape, forcing their lips together in a deep, hard kiss.

Bintang gasped at his sudden action. At first she allowed it, stunned by his anger, but as Langit grew rougher, she pushed him away, struggling to break the kiss.

When she finally managed to free herself, she reflexively slapped him. The force surprised even her. Her heart pounded with fear-fear of his anger, fear of the hatred he might now harbor toward her.

Langit turned his face at the blow, then smirked bitterly, as if amused that she had the heart to hit him. He knew he was wrong for forcing that kiss, but he did it to see her reaction. Now he felt certain-Bintang no longer wanted him.

"You really want to throw me away?" Langit asked, his face full of disappointment.

"I just want to end our relationship," Bintang replied.

"You're throwing me away, Bin!" Langit screamed, his voice echoing.

Bintang shrank back slightly. It was the first time Langit had ever yelled at her.

"This is for your own good," she said calmly.

"For my good?" Langit scoffed. "You call this 'good'? Fine! If this is for your good, then so be it! Good for destroying my feelings!" he snapped, hitting his own chest.

Bintang stayed silent, watching him release his anger.

Langit still couldn't accept it. He slammed the wall again, making Bintang shut her eyes in shock.

"Remember this, Bin. Remember my words. You're the one destroying me. And you'll be responsible for whatever happens to me after this. You want to end our relationship? Then that means you want me gone. I'll grant your wish, Bintang. I'll grant it. But pray you never cross paths with me again. If that day ever comes, I swear I'll make sure you're the one who ends up shattered."