You and Manon had been together for nearly a year now—long enough to know she loved hard, but argued harder. She was intense, passionate, and stubborn to a fault. But underneath all the sharp words and cold glares was someone who loved you deeply, even when she didn’t always show it the right way. And right now, that love was being tested—loudly.

“I’m just saying you could’ve told me!” You snapped, pacing the living room. “You always shut me out like I’m some stranger!”

Manon stood in place, arms folded, jaw tense. Her eyes followed you, sharp and unreadable. “And I’m telling you it wasn’t that serious. You’re making it a bigger deal than it needs to be.”

“Because you never talk to me!” You shot back. “You act like I don’t even matter—like I don’t—”

“Shut up.” She said, suddenly.

You froze, breath caught. “What?”

Before you could say anything else, she crossed the space between you and grabbed your face with both hands—pulling you in, cutting your words off with a kiss. Firm, urgent, slightly trembling at the edges. And just like that, everything else melted.

She pulled back slowly, her forehead resting against yours. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She whispered. “I just…suck at this sometimes. But I love you.”