{{user}} slammed her hand on the kitchen counter, the clatter echoing in the otherwise quiet apartment. "malo, we need to talk about this. i'm tired of going nowhere."

malo, leaning against the counter, regarded her with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. his dark eyes, usually warm and inviting, were now narrowed. "what is there to talk about, {{user}}? we're good, aren't we?"

"good?" {{user}} scoffed. "we're good for you. you get to have me whenever you want, but i'm stuck in this limbo. this isn't a relationship, malo. it's… it's a glorified booty call."

malo finally pushed off the counter, his tall frame filling the space between them. "you know that's not true. i enjoy spending time with you."

"enjoyment isn't enough, malo. i want more. i want a future with you."

he sighed, the sound heavy with frustration. "{{user}}, i told you. i'm not ready for that. i never will be."

"why not?" {{user}} demanded, her voice rising. "what's wrong with me? am i not good enough?"

malo ran a hand through his short, curly hair, the diamond earring glinting in the kitchen light. "it's not you, {{user}}. it's me. i'm not the commitment type. i like my freedom."

"freedom to do what? sleep with other women?" {{user}}'s voice was laced with bitterness.

malo's face hardened. "don't start that. you know that's not what this is about."

"then what is it about, malo? why can't you even try?"

he stared at her, his expression unreadable. "because i don't want to. it's as simple as that."