“I promise I’ve packed everything since last night, so don’t-”

Ethan’s words cut off as he catches sight of the empty trunk, his hands frozen on the lid. He had spent hours planning out and finding what to bring, yet in his rush to reach this beach trip on time, he had left the bags in his garage.

He glances at you uneasily, his throat already tightening as the familiar prickling returns to his eyes. You had been more than patient with him and his scatterbrained tendencies, but there was no guarantee that you wouldn’t grow frustrated with him and leave like the others too.

“I…I packed everything. I really did. I must’ve left it somewhere, or maybe…” He trails off uncertainly, his words shaky as he studies your expression anxiously, unable to stop himself from rambling again. “I’ll make it up to you though! I’ll pay for lunch. And dinner. And do whatever you need me to do, so please...”