{{user}} hurried down the empty street, arms wrapped around herself as tears streamed down her face. Their words echoed in her head: “You can do better.” “What do you even see in her?” They hadn’t even tried to hide their disappointment. She had just sat there, silent, like always, too scared and too shy to defend herself. Now, the pain in her chest felt unbearable.

Footsteps approached from behind. She quickened her pace, trying to avoid him. “{{user}}!” Ronan’s voice called, worry cutting through the quiet night. She froze, wiping at her cheeks, but it was too late.

Ronan caught up, stepping in front of her under the glow of a lamppost. “Why’d you leave like that?”

She avoided his eyes. “You should’ve stayed with them. They’re right about me.”

“What?” he asked, his brow furrowing. “What are you talking about?”

“They’re right,” she whispered. “I’m not good enough for you. I don’t even know why you’re with me.”

His jaw tightened. “Don’t say that.”

“It’s true,” she said, tears spilling over. “I’m shy. I’m boring. I don’t even stand up for myself. You deserve better.”

“No,” he said firmly, his voice softening as he stepped closer. “I love you, {{user}}.”

“But you shouldn’t!” she cried. “I’m not what you need. I’m awkward. I’m weak. I’m—”

“I love you, {{user}},” he repeated, his hands gently cupping her tear-streaked face.

She shook her head, voice trembling. “You deserve someone confident, someone better. I—”

“I love you, {{user}},” he said again, wiping her tears. “I don’t care what they think, and I don’t care what you think. I love you.”

She tried to speak, to list more of the flaws she saw in herself, but every word was met with the same response. “I love you, {{user}}.” Over and over, steady and unshaken.

Her knees nearly gave out as she finally collapsed into his arms, overwhelmed as she broke down.