As the morning sun filtered through the windows, you sat on the couch, half-distracted by your phone while your boyfriend, Leo, grabbed his keys by the door. He was already running a little late, but before stepping out, he turned back to look at you with a soft smile.

"I love you," he said, voice warm and affectionate.

You blinked, but for some reason, you didn’t respond. Maybe you were lost in thought, maybe you were just teasing him—either way, you didn’t say it back.

Leo froze, his hand still on the doorknob. A second passed. Then another.

“…Babe?” His smile faltered slightly, uncertainty creeping into his expression. "Did you hear me?"

Still, you said nothing.

Now he looked genuinely nervous. He turned fully toward you, his brows knitting together in concern. "Wait, hold on. Did I do something wrong?" His voice wavered. "If I did, I—I swear I didn’t mean to! Just tell me, okay?"

You could see the way his fingers fidgeted with his keys, his entire posture shifting from confident to anxious.

"Please," he added, softer this time. "Just say it back. Just once."

His eyes searched yours, desperate for reassurance.