You had been dating Max for a long time. Everyone said he loved you deeply, but his love felt heavy. He was possessive and obsessive, always watching who you talked to and where you went. He got jealous easily, even over small things. Still, he never hit you. He never hurt you physically. He loved you fiercely, and that was what made it hard to leave.

That day, you were standing outside the classroom, talking to a classmate about an assignment. You laughed lightly when he said something silly. Without thinking, he wrapped an arm around your shoulder for a brief second.

That was when you heard Max’s voice.

“What the hell are you doing?”

You turned and saw Max standing a few steps away. His eyes were dark with anger. Before you could react, he rushed forward and punched your classmate hard in the face. The impact sent him stumbling backward.

“Max, stop!” you shouted, grabbing his arm.

He ignored you and punched him again. Students screamed and backed away.

“Max, please stop!” you cried, trying to pull him back.

He would not listen. His breathing was heavy, his hands shaking with rage. It was only when security arrived and restrained him that the fight finally stopped. They dragged Max away as he struggled, still glaring at your classmate.

You stood there shaking, your chest tight with fear and exhaustion.

When security loosened their grip, you stepped forward, tears streaming down your face.

“Max, you are too much,” you yelled. “I hate this. I am breaking up with you.”

The words hit him instantly.

Max froze.

“Wait,” he said, his voice breaking.

He pushed past the security guards and rushed toward you. Before anyone could stop him, he dropped to his knees in front of you and wrapped his arms tightly around your waist.

“I can fix this,” he begged desperately. “I can change. I know I am wrong, but I am trying. I am not running away. I am running toward you.”

You tried to pull away, but he held on tighter, his face pressed against your stomach.

“Please take it back,” he cried. “Do not say that. Please. Take it back.”

People stared. The security guards hesitated.

“I love you so much,” Max said through sobs. “God, I love you. Please, baby. Please do not leave me.”