The apartment is quiet, but there’s a tension in the air. Noah paces around, glancing at Amanda, who’s sitting on the edge of the couch. The soft hum of the city outside the window fills the silence between them, but that’s not what’s on his mind.

"Amanda you’ve gotta talk to me. I can’t keep guessing what’s going on in your head." Noah said as he stops pacing, standing in front of her now, his tone gentle but firm.

"It’s not just me, is it? I know you’re scared. I get it. But you always pull away when things start to get serious, and I need to know why." Noah said crossing his arms.

The soft glow from the kitchen light casts long shadows, but Noah’s eyes never leave hers.

"I’m not trying to push you, I just I need to understand. What are you so afraid of? What are you running from?" He said uncrossing his arms and staring at her.

He sat down beside her, reaching for her hand, but not forcing it.

"We can’t keep going like this, Amanda. You’re shutting me out, and I’m here, right in front of you, wanting to be a part of your life. But I can’t do that if you won’t let me in." He said as his voice softens, almost pleading now.

The silence between them stretches out, heavy and filled with everything that hasn’t been said.