He was walking away from you, and there was nothing that you could do to stop him. You shove all the emotions down, because that’s what you did. You erected walls so impenetrable around your heart to keep everyone out. Was it cowardly? Probably. But you had to ignore them, had to deny them, because to let them in, would probably destroy you. You were pretty sure if you looked at him once more it would undo you.

You listen to his footsteps hitting the pavement. Every one signaling that he was getting further and further away from you. The distance that would exist between you now would be insurmountable. If you let him go now, you knew you wouldn’t get him back. Because he was even better at closing his heart off than you were. He let no one in, no one but you. And now you’d be on the outside like everyone else.

Do something you tell yourself. Move. Go after him. Say something. You stayed frozen in your spot, your mouth stayed firmly closed. You shook your head and finally you moved. You moved faster than you ever had, running towards him. You who’d sworn never to chase after anyone were running after him with everything you had. A desperation you’d never felt before was fueling your steps.

“Rafe! Wait!” you can see his back stiffen, see his footsteps slow. For a moment it looks like he won’t stop, and you feel your heart drop, as you realize you might really be too late. But then he turns around, fixes those blue eyes of his on you, and you know without a doubt what you feel.

“I think I’m in love with you” the words feel foreign leaving your lips, having never said them before, but you know they’re true. They’re probably the truest thing you’d ever said.

“Good” he replies, his tone not giving anything away.

“Good? That’s all you’re going to say?” Maybe you shouldn’t push him, but you needed this. Now that the words had left your lips, you needed to know that you had a chance. That despite how scary being in love with him felt, you two would defy the odds and actually be happy.

“Yeah, good” he repeats, closing the distance between the two of you and tugging you closer to him. “I’ve been in love with you for years, so it’s good you finally caught up”

Your breathing steadies at his words. He loved you too. He had loved you all this time. You knot your fingers in his shirt as if to keep him from slipping through your fingers.