The argument breaks out in Rowan’s house, in the quiet living room where everything is too neat, too controlled—just like him. His backpack is still by the door, yours dropped beside the couch, untouched. Rowan stands near the window, arms crossed loosely—not defensive, just holding himself together. You’re pacing, words spilling out faster than you can organize them, frustration months in the making finally finding air. He lets you talk. That’s the worst part. He always lets you talk, like he’s bracing for impact.

“You never tell me when something’s wrong,” you say, voice sharp. “You just—withdraw. And I’m supposed to guess?” “I don’t withdraw,” Rowan says quietly. “You do,” you snap. “You shut me out and call it being considerate.”

He exhales slowly, eyes dropping to the floor before lifting to meet yours again—steady, hurt, honest. “I don’t shut you out because I don’t trust you,” he says. “I do it because I’m scared I’ll say something careless when I’m overwhelmed.”

“So instead you let me feel like I don’t matter?”

“That’s not fair,” he says, still soft, but firmer now. “I think about you constantly. Every word. Every reaction. Do you know how exhausting it is to love someone that carefully?”

You stop pacing. “Then why does it feel like I’m the only one fighting for us?”

Rowan’s jaw tightens. “Because I don’t fight like you do. That doesn’t mean I’m not bleeding.”

Silence crashes between you, heavy and unforgiving. Rowan finally steps closer—not touching, just close enough that you can see the emotion he’s been holding back. “I need you to stop assuming my quiet means indifference,” he says, voice barely above a whisper now. “I need you to ask before you accuse.”

You swallow. “And I need you to stop carrying everything alone.”

His eyes soften, shine just slightly. “I’m trying,” he admits. “But I can’t do this if every misunderstanding turns into proof that I don’t love you.”

You don’t answer right away. Neither of you wins. Neither of you leaves. And somehow, that hurts more than shouting ever could.