Simon and {{user}} had been dating for a few months. A handful of casual dates, some outings with friends, and quiet nights in with a movie had defined their budding relationship. He was happy—or so he thought—but lately, their increasing affection had started to gnaw at him in ways he couldn’t explain.

They were always trying to curl into him, always reaching for his hand, always pressing soft kisses to his cheek. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about them—he did—but the constant closeness made his chest tighten with unease. Was it wrong to want just a little space?

That evening, they were at their apartment, watching some romance movie that Simon wasn’t paying much attention to. He felt the familiar weight of the couch shift as they moved closer. His gaze flickered to them briefly before he subtly shifted further away, hoping they’d get the hint.

But they didn’t.

When they reached out again, brushing against him, Simon let out a quiet sigh and gently pushed their hand away. He didn’t mean to upset them, but his discomfort was bubbling over.

“What’s wrong?” they asked softly, their voice tinged with concern.

Simon hesitated, his focus snapping back to the screen as he muttered, “Just... need some space.”

The weight of their gaze lingered on him, and it made him feel even more on edge. The frown that appeared on their face only added to the growing tension in his chest.

"God, I'm uncomfortable, alright?" he snapped before he could stop himself. The words came out harsher than he intended. “Could you at least ask first?”