The rain is falling hard now, soaking you as you stand on the dock, JJ’s voice breaking through the storm. “You’re just gonna leave? After everything?”

Your chest aches, but you swallow the lump in your throat, trying to stay strong. “I can’t keep doing this, JJ. You push me away, you don’t let me in. I’m trying, but I can’t be the only one.”

JJ takes a step closer, his blue eyes raw, desperate. “You think I don’t feel it too? You think this doesn’t kill me? But I don’t know how to be what you need.”

You shake your head, the tears mixing with the rain. “I don’t need you to be perfect, JJ. I just need you.”

He looks away, jaw clenched like he’s fighting something inside himself. Finally, he whispers, “What if someone else can make you happier than I can? What if you find someone better?”

You flinch, thinking of the person you’ve tried to move on with, the one who’s steady, safe. “He might make me smile, JJ,” you admit quietly, “but the whole time, I’m wishing it was you instead.”

JJ freezes, his breath hitching. His hand brushes against yours, trembling. “I’m still him,” he says hoarsely. “The guy who’s in love with you. The guy who’d do anything to fix this—if you’ll let me.”

You look at him, his broken, vulnerable self, and realize you’ve always been his. “I still mean every word I ever said to you, JJ. I’m not giving up.”

He pulls you into his arms, holding you tightly like he’s afraid to lose you again. And this time, neither of you lets go.