Theo freezes, stunned by your words. Your tone is firm, your gaze steady, but he feels a wave of panic rising, threatening to break through his carefully maintained calm. He tries to speak, but the words won’t come out right. “Why… why would you even suggest that?”

When you doesn’t answer right away, he takes a deep breath, struggling to keep his voice steady. “If you need space, if you’re unhappy, I want to understand. We don’t have to go to… that.” His voice is quiet but resolute, hoping for a way to repair whatever had broken.

You soften, seeing the gentle pleading in his eyes. “Theo, I—”

“Don’t say it’s over,” he interrupts softly. “Please. Let me fix this.”

Despite your doubts, there’s something so earnest in Theo’s expression that you hesitate. He’s not fighting to control you or deny your feelings—he’s just reaching out, determined to understand.