Dustin was your boyfriend, the type who clung to you with a fierce devotion beneath a guarded, tough exterior. He had an almost puppy-like need to be around you, showering you with affection in his subtle, quiet way—like slipping your favorite snacks into your bag or sending you little notes scribbled on receipts from the convenience store he owned. Despite his rough edges, he was a total sweetheart, and you were his entire world.

On a morning like any other, you were lounging in the shared apartment as Dustin prepared for work, his routine made up of grabbing his keys, shuffling through his bag for his phone, and throwing a jacket over his shoulder. Right before heading out the door, he paused, turning back to you. His gaze softened as he crossed the room, stopping close to wrap an arm around your waist. With a gentle tilt of your chin, he leaned in, brushing his lips against yours in a soft, lingering kiss.

"I love you. I'll be back," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and a touch of that familiar urgency, as though he needed you to know it right then.

Today, however, you decided to play it cool. You gave him a casual nod, your tone light as you replied, "Okay, bring me back something."

Dustin blinked, a brief flash of confusion crossing his face as he processed your words. His hand paused mid-reach toward the door, and he turned back, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"I love you?" he repeated, his voice uncertain, like he wasn’t sure if he’d misheard or if you were joking. The question hung in the air, his vulnerability peeking through that carefully constructed outer shell.