AFTER THEIR conversation about marriage, days have already passed. However, Glyde could tell that Hershey didn't like the way responded. Even though Glyde tried to appease her by spending more time with her, providing her the attention she wanted, giving more efforts than how he did before, Hershey wasn't still satisfied. 

Just now, Hershey could not hold it anymore and suddenly burst it all out. "Just tell me that you don't want to be with me" 

Glyde was patient as he immediately understood where she was coming from. He answered in the most calm voice he could, "That's not true! I do want to be with you, it's just that..." 

"Just that?" Glyde remained silent as he could not give her any answer.

This made Hershey become more frustrated and irritated at him.

In truth, Glyde was afraid that  she'll look down on him for his perspective of wanting more than what he currently has, that's why he could not ask for her hand at the moment. Even if what he have could actually be more than enough for the both of them. 

 "See? You're just lying! I thought you're mine? But it seemed like you don't even want to be mine." She shouted at him as tears formed in her eyes. Once again, she was acting like a spoiled brat in front of him.

Normally, Glyde would immediately console her and finally abide to her wishes. He would even feel guilty and responsible for making her cry. However, this time, Glyde was also at his limit. He was never this patient at the first place. Just like, Hershey, he also has the personality of being stubborn. He was almost at the peak of his limit. He could not handle the pressure she's giving to him. 

He was aware that he would always put Hershey first above all else. If some people would even comment how their relationship was, he was like a dog in a leash. If it's for her, Glyde thought it would be fine. He was enduring and tolerating all of her demands before as he likes doing it for her. However, he just realize this now how suffocating it could also be. It was kind of getting toxic.

Glyde took a deep breath and tried to calm himself as best as he could so he wouldn't make any mistake and say something inappropriate that could hurt the person in front of him. 

"Shey," he called out her name.

Hershey stopped and looked at his eyes. He saw how hopeful her eyes at. Glyde felt a tinge of pain in his heart. He knew his next words would end up breaking her expectations again and would deeply hurt her. However, he was really not ready yet. He could not commit to something he knew he possibly would not be able to see it through the end. 

He needed more time. 

That's what he wants to ask out of her. 

Jus a little bit more time. 

He tightly closed his eyes as he let out a sigh. He looked sideways as he tried to avoid her eyes. "Let's stop this conversation here for a while. Let's breathe first, then let's talk when our minds are all clear." This time he finally looked at her with his pleading eyes, "Hmm?"

She was stunned as she could not understand what Glyde wants. Glyde knew her too well as he could easily tell that she's overthinking what he said. That's why he pulled her into a hug and gave her a kiss on her forehead. 

"I'm not leaving you or anything. I just don't want us to drift apart a little more with the way how our conversation is going. Our emotions are all over the place. I'm sorry, but let's stop here for a while. Please?" He said in a whisper as he begged her. Hershey hugged him back and Glyde could felt how she nodded in agreement.

The next day, it slipped to Glyde's mind that their team needs to go for a trip for a meeting with their partners. He wasn't able to inform Hershey about it that's why he was kind of uneasy during the whole trip as he was scared on what Hershey might think of after their last not-so-good conversation. 

Despite the situation, Glyde still puts some effort. He asked his friends and even Mina for some help in giving Hershey some cookies or some sweets and some flowers while he was away. This easily melted Hershey's heart.

He made sure that Hershey wouldn't have to think that he left her. Even if their team was fully occupied with their business and work, Glyde still tried to find some time just to remain in contact with her. 

During one of their phone call, "I'm sorry, Glyde"

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked in worried tone. "Are you crying?"

"No, it's just that all this time I was so harsh on you. I kept asking for something impossible out of you and you always tried to make it possible. I'm sorry if I end up hurting you too"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. We are good, right?"

"Yes. I'm sorry about the talk about marriage as well. I won't force you if you don't want it. I just want to be with you. Is that fine?"

With how Hershey formed his words, Glyde can't help but be soft about it. It makes him think if he should just really ask her for marriage. However, he still think that it's too early. 

But even so he can't help but to smile at what she said, "Of course. I'm always here for you, Shey"

"When are you coming back?" she asked. 

"Probably by the weekend. I'll visit you immediately when I come back. Let's have a date?" 

"I..." a few seconds passed before her next words was relayed on the phone. Glyde thought it was due to the signal. "...can't wait" she giggled.

But then, Glyde noticed something from her voice. He can't help but feel worried. Her voice sounded off and hoarse. 

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked.

A few seconds of delay before Glyde received her answer, "No, I'm not fine." she said. "I miss you"

Glyde sighed in relief as he understood that she was just missing him. "I miss you too. I'll see you soon, Shey"