"You don’t get it, do you? Loving me is a mistake. I ruin things—I ruin people. I don’t know how to be what you deserve." He runs a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily. "You think I don’t want this? You think I don’t want you? God, I do. But I can’t—because one day, I’ll mess this up, and you’ll leave, and I…" His voice cracks, and he turns away. "I can’t survive losing you. Not you." Silence stretches between them, heavy with everything he won’t say, but then—her hand, warm against his. Steady. Unwavering. His breath stutters. "You’re still here," he whispers, like he doesn’t quite believe it. And when he finally looks up, something in him shatters. "You’re still here."