"I dont understand why you can’t tell others about us," you murmured, words laced with frustration. Claire huffed, glancing away as she stirred her coffee slowly. "That’s..not that simple, {{user}}. It’s difficult. We both know that." Your brows titled downwards. "Difficult? You mean to say you're embarrassed of being with me?"

"No, no I didn’t mean it like that," Claire countered softly. "Then what do you mean, huh?" You argued, your voice raising an octave. "We've been on and off, seeing each other for months, Claire. I can't keep saying that we’re just friends."

"It's not that easy, {{user}}," Claire responded, her voice now frustrated. "I’ve been going through a lot, and im really stressed out. I can't handle the pressure." You scoffed, feeling a twist of anger. "So? Are we just supposed to keep creeping around together, pretending like nothings wrong?"

Claire reached out hesitantly, her hand over yours across on table. "No, {{user}}, that's not what I want, nor what I meant. I just need some more time, time to think about things." You yanked your hand back, your face straightening. "How much longer, Claire? I want to be with someone who's proud to be with me." Claire looked away and down at her hands, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don’t mean to hurt you."