RegisterLogin
Theme
Search
Series Group
The Reason We Broke up
Type
Genre
Tags[ ]
Loading...
Tags List | Request Tag
Rating(4.6 / 5.0, 263 votes)
5    79% (209 votes)
4    11% (28 votes)
3    5% (14 votes)
2    3% (7 votes)
1    2% (5 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2018
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
Completed
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 95.1 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #15815
Monthly Rank: #2000
All Time Rank: #3587
Reading List
[Graph]
On 3561 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #22754
All Time Rank: #2607

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

My dream was you, Na HaYeon.

Model HaYeon has been in a relationship with actor Taewan for a long time. The love that started at the tender age of eighteen is about to end at twenty-nine.

“Let’s break up now, Taewan. Let’s stop.”

“Why do you want to break up? Are you telling me the love is gone?”

“No, the love isn’t gone.”

The love had never gone away for a moment. From the moment he walked over with the springtime as his backdrop, it had always been there.

“I still love you.”

“Then why?”

Taewan shouted out as if he couldn’t understand.

“I don’t have the confidence to love you tomorrow.”

“……”

“That’s the reason.”

Me, the one who tells you it’s the end even though I said it wasn’t.

You, the one who knows it’s the end but can’t end it.

This love that only gives us more wounds as we stay together…

Will we be able to protect it?

Associated Names
One entry per line
우리가 헤어지는 이유
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
37 Degrees, Slight Fever (3)
Even If It’s Not Love (3)
Doberman (2)
Sweet Villain (2)
Swallow One’s Breath (2)
Flowers Are Bait (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Novels with good plot
  2. The Best Novels I've Read So Far
  3. Worth rereading
  4. Entertainment Industry (romance)
  5. KR-erot*c Novels

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley extra
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley epilogue
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c5 part4
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c5 part3
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c5 part2
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c5 part1
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c4
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c3 part2
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c3 part1
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c2
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c1 part3
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c1 part2
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley c1 part1
03/01/25 Lily on the Valley prologue
09/05/21 gluttons corner c27
123
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
43 Reviews sorted by


anonanemone
anonanemone rated it
September 7, 2022
Status: Completed
Summary: To Na HaYeon, Kang Taewan was everything. He was the one who gave her the push to pursue her modeling career. He was the one who broke through her walls and showed her what it was like to be loved. He was the one who brought warmth into her world. But after eleven years of dating, everything began to crumble.

As Taewan steadily became a household name, he grew more distant. Unable to endure the coldness any longer, HaYeon ends their relationship. Caught completely off guard, Taewan demands to know... more>> why. And HaYeon gives him her answer. 'The reason we broke up is..."

Warning: Angsty and emotional.

Review: I felt that this novel was incredibly poetic. A break-up is common and happens all the time. However, the author really delved into the gritty details that make a break-up such a tragedy. This dissection of HaYeon and Taewan's break-up really made me think about relationships in general, both romantic and platonic. There is one quote by HaYeon's friend regarding love that I think about often. She compares love to glass, and once the love is over, it shatters:

Spoiler

"You clean it up to the best of your ability, but the next day, you see that a shard of glass is sticking out somewhere. You see it with your eyes, you step on it with your foot, and your skin breaks... After repeating that a few times, just when you think it’s all over, you’ll find another one after a long time has passed. That damned shard of glass."

[collapse]

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It is by no means an exciting read full of drama and intrigue. It's a soft, gentle story that gives us a snapshot into the lives of these two individuals. It shows us how they met, how they separated, and ultimately, how they grew. <<less
35 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ley.monade
ley.monade rated it
April 1, 2022
Status: extra
This was an amazing short read. It really clenches your heart.

Neither side were at fault at all. It's because they both love each other so much that the sacrifices that they have done for each other just ended up actually hurting themselves and each other.

... more>>
Spoiler

I was glad that Hayeon made the decision to break up before taewan got his trophy because that made a really huge impact of him realizing what was really meant for him.

[collapse]

I would love for Korea to make this into a movie (too short for a kdrama) in the future because this is amazing on so many levels <<less
18 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Lois.
Lois. rated it
June 20, 2021
Status: c25
I've currently catched up with the updates. If you're looking for a potentially sad or tragic love story this is prolly for you. The main couple seems pretty wholesome as seen from their past memories though it makes you question what made them albeit distanced from each other as seen from the description. Try it out if you want to. The plot really does seem pretty promising too for this one.
17 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
_EyeCandy_
_EyeCandy_ rated it
September 1, 2021
Status: c25
I'm the type of person who only gives reviews to the stories that hit me soo hard that I can't help it.

Let me just say that as a person who is addicted with Romance Novels, Manga, Anime, Manhwa, (and I've been addicted to this genre for 10 years), let me just say that this piece of diamond right here can not compare to any of the stuff I've read and watched so far.

It was a realistic love with a really deep story. (I'm talking about their childhood here) Their... more>> meeting, their little memories, their growing love, their kindness, his confession, their story.. It felt like I wasn't reading a novel at All, it felt like it came straight out of my heart. I can't describe it.

It may be different for other people, but when she had flashbacks of when they met and when they were young and teenagers, it felt so real. Everything felt like it was truly happening and I was astonished by their development when they were young. Even just their quiet smiles gave a lot of meanings and words even though they don't say anything. This feelings for me is really peculiar since I've never felt this before. As I read the story, I felt like spring. I'm crying so hard right now.

I. Don't know how to describe this feeling, but you'll feel it once you read.

It's not overly romantic like Romeo and Juliet, not like other dramas where heroine gets bullied and boy heroically saves her, not bumping in the middle of the Hallway and books spilled all over, it was none, none of those cliches. <<less
15 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
bookiecookie
bookiecookie
May 13, 2022
Status: Completed
Definitely better than many knovels. It's good but quite bit underwhelming to my personal taste. Sure they love each other soooo much but I was not that emotionally invested to know more. There's fair amount of character development. Idk I find these two people kind of boring. That being said It's definitely not bad I can see why others give such a high rating. I maybe wrong but these two people has huge communication issues. I can't understand why in these 10 never once they showed their flaws. Don't people... more>> deeply in love bare their vulnerabilities to their SO. This maybe how real couples act in reality but novel is about extraordinary love not ordinary love. <<less
12 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Renjiko
Renjiko rated it
January 16, 2022
Status: Completed
SO GOOOD!!

... more>>
Spoiler

Male lead is the real MVP of this story. His POV maannn!! Maybe its in our nature to be curious about what our partner thoughts during the breakup cycle but the thing is, the writing skills is just spectacular. The DRAMA tag aint lie bruh!

Very realistic, relatable and whether youve been into break up or not, this HITS! Cheers for my tears and my sister thingking im having life struggle for crying midnight while reading this. Lol

The communication and set backs are so satisfying too. The characters are both imperfect yet admirable. You cannot hate anyone of the leads, instead you will love the two of them. In relationship, we tend to label one we cannot control and fit in our hands as toxic, give more weight to the feelings thats left on us. "He or she did this to me/ I hate him so much for such/ why he has to do this and that" that we sometimes forget to ask the other party if hes happy or maybe hes hurting and trying too but we just fail to see. If they chose to seperate ways the other is justified to let go and its not the others fault. You can be tired and stuff but maybe things just needed lil more trust and a team effort and thats sumn you can choose too more so if its the right person. This novel will teach you to be a partner more than just a lover. If there is any break up novel that I will love to re read and read again, this boooright here is one of em.

[collapse]

I am a simple person, if a novel i've read satisfied me with its ending, good or outstanding so long as it compensate the value I paid for I give 5 star regardles. Now, after reading the novel, I felt I am so bias. I wish I could give 10 stars to this novel and so to my top 10 smut novel bcs there is no way I culd justify giving the same score for those that JUST satisfied me and this gold! <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
shanabanana
shanabanana rated it
April 14, 2025
Status: c1
I picked this up thinking it would be a light read, something to pass the time while waiting for my laundry to finish. I didn’t expect to be completely pulled in, so much so that I paused everything else just to keep reading. For such a short novel, it hit me hard in all the right places.

What struck me most was how real it felt. No over-the-top drama, no villains. Just two people who love each other but somehow ended up drifting apart. They’re already in a long-term relationship, but... more>> instead of cozy domestic bliss, you get emotional distance, years of routine, and a lot of unspoken hurt. One partner is fighting to keep things alive, while the other is consumed by career and obligation. Maybe what resonated with me so much was how close it hit to home. A lot of us know what it’s like to love someone and still feel lonely. To stay, hoping things will get better, until we reach a quiet breaking point.

The ML, an orphan, has always carried the burden of wanting to provide more—for himself, for the FMC, and to prove himself to her family. His heart was in the right place, but he became so focused on building a future that he forgot to be present in the now. And the FMC, she really tried. She waited, supported him, stayed patient for so long. But being constantly put second wears you down, and even the most loving, loyal people have their limits.

What I appreciated was that it didn’t paint either of them as wrong. They’re just human. The miscommunication, the emotional gaps, the years of slowly growing apart, it’s painfully relatable. But what kept this from feeling heavy or bitter was how gently it was told. Through flashbacks and quiet reflection, you see the beauty of what they had. The sweetness and the history. And slowly, the hope and the choice to try again—not to rewind, but to rebuild.

This story is about second chances, but not in the usual romantic sense. It’s about re-learning each other and resetting priorities. Remembering what made you choose each other in the first place, and choosing again, with intention this time. It made me emotional in the softest, most unexpected way. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
tears of manhwa
tears of manhwa rated it
February 12, 2024
Status: Completed
Taewan and HaYeon are the type of couple we call as fated lovers.

Taewan wanted to give the best to HaYeon, to give the best dresses, best food, best housing etc. To do that, he was running forward frantically; but during this process he forgot the reason he was trying to run so fast and hard.

HaYeon wanted only Taewan. Nothing else, no luxury, no best things. But, when Taewan showed her that he wanted to run forward, she stood at the back of his, so that he can only go forward.... more>> But, slowly and slowly, HaYeon forgot how it was like to stand in front or by the side of Taewan. She felt like a shadow.

For Taewan, Family is warmth. He thought that HaYeon also wanted her family's (B$ dad, step mom) warmth. So, he tried his best to earn money so that HaYeon's father won't ignore HaYeon anymore.

For HaYeon, Family is pain. Her father's remarriage, being lonely in the so-called family was something that made her run from that family after turning 18 years old. She didn't want to earn her father's love at all.

They loved each other so much. But, while fearing for hurting each other, they silently tried to do things for the other person.

I feel this story showed me a different aspect of love. "Break up" can be easy for someone who didn't have many emotions, many memories with the other person; but it will be difficult for someone who had many memories and feelings for the other person. It depends on who you are and how the relationship was.

Sigh! For me, personally, breakup was an ending of my teenage years. But, I saw a new side of breakup in this story, which is beautiful.

Let's not be sad anymore. Try this story. It's PERFECT!!! You won't regret reading it.

P.s: To find true love, what are the requirements? :) <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
pastelbunnyyy
pastelbunnyyy rated it
February 25, 2023
Status: Completed
This novel is the perfect example of how you can write something short and simple, on a plot that's existed for a long time, and yet remain quite effective and relatable.

I know it is tagged as smut and I went in fully expecting it. But the smut sometimes felt out of place and broke the flow while reading (and I had a similar opinion of some of the smut scenes in Lucia too). Rating 4 stars because while I thoroughly enjoyed it and got the point the R18 scenes were... more>> trying to drive home, it mostly felt gratuitous. The story would still hold up on its own without it, and for me, might have even made it better. That is personal preference though!

I enjoyed the realistic (as much realism that could be taken on a trope that's been overdone) take on it, especially as someone who left a 10+ year relationship. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
estoejia
estoejia rated it
August 16, 2022
Status: Completed
I fell head-over-heels in love with Na HaYeon. She is an absolute dream of a FL and I’m almost sad that there wasn’t more said about her. The world and Taewan’s perception of her as a mysterious figure is absolutely spot on. Even after reading about her younger self I felt as if I know everything and nothing at the same time.

Similarly with Taewan, even though majority of the story was told through HaYeon’s lens, it felt like I knew more about Taewan than HaYeon.

Their coupling is absolutely divine and... more>> even though they seemed perfect on paper I enjoyed reading about their imperfections and insecurities and how they found their way back to each other. I do wish that after everything was revealed, HaYeon could have properly explained to Taewan that her family never treated her like family and therefore he is her sole family. I feel like that would have completely dispelled the anxieties and insecurity Taewan had about not being enough for HaYeon.

While this story has plenty of great lines, I was a wreck for what HaYeon said in the Prologue right before she told him she wanted to break up:

“While I was just one part of your world, you were all of mine... ”

You could feel her despair in that one line. They say whoever loves more is loses and it was in that one line that I felt Na HaYeon’s utter defeat. It was the beginning of the end for her.

The Reason We Broke Up is such a beautifully written story of no matter how perfect two people may be together, they can lose each other in the midst of all the noise. Sometimes you have to let go in order to find each other again and I love how it was Na HaYeon who found that strength to break their relationship in order to make it stronger. No cheating or other party interference, just pure and enduring love between two soulmates. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Hell is boring
Hell is boring rated it
June 5, 2022
Status: Completed
This isn't tagged as tragedy, but you'd do well to prepare a box of tissues. I mean I did wet my pillow with tears.

I can't say anything this is just oh ever so beautiful & sweet & heartbreaking & heartwarming & innocent. You can FEEL their emotions & their struggles & their train of thoughts. The characters feel so real for me.

The people who loved each other with their whole beings yet messed up, because that's what humans do. We mess up & we regret it & we try to... more>> repair the broken things the best we can. I enjoyed this journey much.

However I'm slightly disappointed because

Spoiler

after they got together every thing became so sweet & cute. I mean it's not like I hate dog food, but I think the author was trying to apologize for making us cry for 3 whole chapter straigh (this novel is only 5 chapters, mind you)

I don't like that. An author should stand proud of their stories (specially when it's so beaut) but it felt rather forced for me. I think what the ending would be nice if they get back together & were trying to make things right after 2-3 years & know each other again... you know things like that :) tho I have always preferred tragedies so my opinion is untrustworthy lol

[collapse]

But anyway it doesn't change thefact that this novel is pure gold & one of the best romance novels on this site <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
aiya03
aiya03 rated it
August 11, 2021
Status: c24
I just started reading this today. At first, I placed it on my 'Waiting' list but then I got curious so I said to myself, I'll just read the first 3 chapters. Low and behold, I got hooked and read all available chapters and moved it to my 'Reading' list.

It's really good, like a Korean drama plot. The story flow and details, it becomes vivid and I kept picturing the scenes in my head. I am a sucker for the emotional break up bits so that part in the summary... more>> really got to me. This one, I can tell so far, is realistic.

Spoiler

All of it, being in a long time relationship, wondering if it just all become a routine and she lost herself in the name of love (became a hidden lover), it all become so painful. Then at one point in time, she just started breaking inside. So, before coming to that end, she just had to let go

[collapse]

I really like this novel and hoping it will get more frequent update in the future. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Babiszan
Babiszan rated it
August 24, 2024
Status: Completed
One of the best short stories I have ever read. 5/5 Stars

its an extremely good and sweet story

I loved both FL and ML both they had their reasons and the main issue was the miscommunication

Though they Loved each other from high school their love never stopped even during their break up

Spoiler

thankfully the break up it was only for 1 month anything more than that it would be a tragedy

[collapse]

During the read I cried a lot but I also smiled too

Thankfully it had a happy ending.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Sushims
Sushims
September 18, 2023
Status: Completed
I have no words. I just love it. It's a masterpiece. I've read so many stories and such, but this one moved my heart. It's bittersweet, but so innocent.

If I could give it more stars, I'd give 1000000/10
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
acquiesceu
acquiesceu rated it
January 24, 2023
Status: Completed
There’s a reason why all the reviews are 5 stars. And there’s a reason why they broke up. Thankfully the tag ‘lovers reunited’ is there, otherwise I think my eyes would run out of tears. There’s not much for me to add besides that it’s a great novel, please read it.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
czeihne
czeihne rated it
August 16, 2022
Status: Completed
THIS one is so nice.

I really love the part when the ML received his award, help his trophy and was supposed to give a speech but ended up not saying anything with only his tears falling.

as well as the part when he went to MC after the award ceremony and reconciled with her
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
coldnovelenthusiasts
coldnovelenthusiasts rated it
January 8, 2024
Status: Completed
This story is a perfect blend of angst, heartwarming, and smut.... Their love feels so pure that it is heartwrenching at times....

The reason they grew apart is really relatable; many young actors and actress have to hide their partners for fear of public scrutiny, alongwith their busy schedule often leads to breakup... But thankfully, now the fans are much more open to relationships than in the past...

ML and FL comes from different background, thus their struggles in life are different... ML suffered from debt, thus for him giving his loved... more>> one financial security is his love language, but with the added pressure from fl's father, it bacame his burden and duty, thus he somewhat resented FL but nevertheless loved her; whereas FL lead a wealthy life but was lonely all her childhood, she considers quality time and working hard together to be the best form of love and enjoyment, which the ML did not understand.... Their break up was absolutely necessary and it gave them a chance to communicate with each other and understand each other's needs and values....

All in all the story is really great and it is really relevant in this society...

Lastly, I want to thank the author and translator for their great job.... <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
TotallyNotFailingSkl
TotallyNotFailingSkl rated it
July 19, 2023
Status: Completed
I read this short story in a span of four hours and let me tell you the author morphs the overused trope of the neglected wife/girlfriend leaving into a beautifully realistic story exploring a relationship tainted with regret, insecurity and lingering love after the separation between longtime lovers, a tired model FL and self-conscious actor ml.

The FL and ML had different priorities in their relationship which caused them to not see eye to eye and hurt each other whilst not knowing. Their flaws and reactions after separating were so realistic... more>> it felt as though the characters and their love for each other was real. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Book_Fairy
Book_Fairy
March 26, 2023
Status: Completed
This is a beautiful story where I thought if the main couple were better off each other to desperately wishing for them to give each other a chance again.

Truthfully, I have never believed in second chances and stuff because the situations are always so extreme. But this was different. This was genuine, raw, painful and healing. Both characters were beautiful. I suggest you to read this and you will not be disappointed.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
rottenwoman
rottenwoman rated it
January 21, 2024
Status: Completed
The angst, the love, the smut - they were all perfectly balanced. I really appreciated the nuanced development and the delicate portrayal of how love can sometimes flicker in the face of life’s realities. The break up was so well done and the analogies with broken glass and things falling out of your pocket will be with me for a long time.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
1 2 3
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

Novel Updates

User Tools

Latest Series

| Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact Us