Julian is quiet longer than usual. He doesn’t reach for you this time.

“You’re nineteen,” he says finally — not unkindly, just factually.

He leans back, composed, like he’s already made peace with this.

“And I think you’ve started hoping this is something it isn’t.” he says, before pausing.

“I care about you.”

Another pause — heavier.

“But I’m not going to build a life around someone who’s just starting theirs.” he says as he finally meets your eyes.

“So no matter how close this feels…”

“…it’s never going to be you.”