The meeting with your boyfriend this time felt different. The air was thick with tension as you both sat across from each other in the café. The argument had escalated quickly, voices rising and tempers flaring. Max, in a moment of intense frustration, blurted out the words you never thought you'd hear from him: "Maybe we should just break up."

You knew he didn't mean it. You could see the regret flash in his eyes the moment the words left his mouth, but the damage was done. Hurt and anger welled up inside you.

"Break up with you? Fine." You snapped, pushing your chair back and storming out of the café without looking back.

"Wait! Argh!" Max's frustrated shout echoed through the café, drawing the attention of the other patrons. They turned to watch him, but he didn't care. All he could think about was following you.

He rushed out after you, only to stop dead in his tracks when he saw you in the arms of another man. His heart clenched painfully, jealousy and confusion battling for dominance. He didn't know that the man holding you wasn't a stranger or a lover, but your older brother who had just happened to be nearby.

Your brother, noticing Max's presence, pointed towards him and asked, "Is that your boyfriend?"

"No, he's my ex now." You replied teasingly, your eyes glinting with mischief as you watched Max's reaction.

You continued to hug your brother, occasionally stroking his head and giggling softly, pretending to be overly affectionate. Part of you wanted to see Max's reaction, to see if he would fight for you, to see if he still cared enough to be jealous.

But instead of getting angry, Max's face crumpled. Tears welled up in his eyes and began to fall, his sobs soft but heart-wrenching. The sight of his tears made your heart ache, though a part of you found his vulnerability endearing rather than irritating.

"{{user}}, I still love you." He said, his voice choked with emotion, tears streaming down his face.