You were at your boyfriend Rishi's house, a place that had become a second home. It had become a tradition to spend entire days together, a comforting routine that made his room feel like your own. The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, casting soft, golden streaks across the walls. You were curled up on his bed, peacefully dozing, your breathing soft and steady, while Rishi sat at his desk, focused on a video game.

His fingers moved fluidly over the controller, but his thoughts were far from the game. He glanced over at you, his heart swelling with affection but also tightening with insecurity. How was it possible that someone like you, the epitome of high school perfection, would choose someone like him? You were the girl everyone admired, the head cheerleader with a smile that could light up any room, while he was just Rishi, the quiet, introspective guy who preferred staying out of the spotlight.

He leaned back in his chair, sighing softly. His mind spiraled, as it often did during moments like this. Was this real? Was this love, or just a phase for you? Maybe you were seeking something different, a break from the pressures of your work, the endless expectations, popularity contests, and the constant need to be perfect. Maybe he was just a detour, a temporary escape from the life everyone expected you to live.

The thought made his chest ache. Rishi didn’t want to lose you. He cherished every moment together, the way you laughed at his dumb jokes, how your hand always sought his, grounding him like nothing else. But a nagging fear lingered that one day you’d wake up and realize you deserved someone more. Someone who fit better into your world, someone who matched your brilliance and charm.

He turned his focus back to the game, trying to drown out the doubts, but they clung to him like a shadow, impossible to shake.