You were at your boyfriend Ethan’s house, as you often were these days. It had become a tradition to spend the entire day together when you could, a comforting routine that made his house feel like home. The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, casting soft streaks of light on the walls of his room. You were curled up on his bed, peacefully dozing, your breathing soft and rhythmic, while he sat at his desk playing video games. His fingers moved fluidly over the controller, but his thoughts weren’t on the game.

Ethan glanced over at you, his heart aching with a confusing mixture of affection and insecurity. He couldn’t wrap his head around it—why someone like you, the epitome of high school perfection, would choose to be with someone like him. You were the girl everyone adored, the head cheerleader with a radiant smile that lit up every room you entered. Meanwhile, he was just Ethan, the guy who preferred staying out of the spotlight, spending his time gaming and keeping to himself.

He let out a quiet sigh, leaning back in his chair. His thoughts spiraled, as they often did when he had too much time to think. Was this real? Was this love? Or was it just a fleeting moment of teenage experimentation for you? Maybe, deep down, you were looking for a break from the pressure of your world—a world full of expectations, popularity contests, and perfect appearances. Maybe he was just a temporary escape, a gamble, a curious detour from the life everyone expected you to live.

The thought made his chest tighten. Ethan didn’t want to lose you. He cherished every moment you spent together, the way you laughed at his dumb jokes, the way your hand always sought his, grounding him in a way nothing else ever had. But he couldn’t stop the nagging fear that he wasn’t enough, that you’d wake up one day and realize you deserved more—someone who matched your brilliance, your charm. He turned back to his game, trying to drown out the doubts in his mind.