Part 1The Scallion Effect

I am allergic to scallions.

When we ordered, I specifically asked several times: no scallions.

But when the dish arrived, it was sprinkled with a generous layer of green onions.

Frustrated, I asked the waitress to pick them out.

My boyfriend, however, decided to play the peacemaker:

"Let it go. The girl works hard; it's not easy for her."

Seeing someone on her side, the waitress immediately put down her chopsticks.

"Exactly. A little scallion makes it taste better anyway. If you're this petty about everything, you'll never be happy in life."

I was stunned. I waved her away.

My boyfriend nodded in satisfaction.

"See? People should be more forgiving."

Forgiving. What a great word.

In that moment, I realized this relationship was rotten to the core.

* * *

"Let's break up."

When I said this, Leo was still rambling on, criticizing me.

One moment he said I was too calculating, the next he said I was too harsh.

As if asking a waitress to remove an allergen was a heinous crime.

"I said let's break up. Did you hear me?"

I repeated myself.

Leo finally shut his mouth.

Displeasure was written all over his face.

"Stop joking."

"I'm not joking."

"You want to break up over something this small?"

"This isn't small."

I closed my eyes.

"You studied bioengineering in college. You should know better than I do that severe allergic reactions can lead to shock, even death."

Leo was silent for a moment before frowning again.

"You're exaggerating."

That sentence again.

I lowered my eyes, losing even the desire to argue.

I grabbed my bag, stood up, and walked straight out.

Panic finally flashed across Leo's face.

He chased after me and grabbed my arm.

"Stop being angry. I'll pick the onions out for you, okay?"

"It's not about the onions."

I pulled my hand away forcefully, enunciating every word.

"It's about the fact that every time my well-being is threatened, you never stand by my side. instead, you ask me to swallow it for the sake of peace."