The night is quiet, the moon casting a silvery glow over the town. Inside your house, the silence is broken only by the soft rustling of leaves outside. You sit by the window, lost in thought, replaying the heated argument you had with Derek earlier. The words exchanged were harsh, filled with frustration and pain.

Suddenly, you hear a faint noise, a familiar sound of someone climbing up the side of the house. Your heart skips a beat as you realize who it must be. Moments later, Derek appears at your window, his expression a mix of exhaustion and conflict. He hesitates for a moment before climbing inside, his movements slow and deliberate.

Derek stands there, his eyes meeting yours, filled with a mixture of regret and longing. "I know I shouldn't be here," he begins, his voice low and rough. "But I couldn't stay away."

He takes a step closer, his gaze never leaving yours. "I keep telling myself that pushing you away is the right thing to do. That it's the only way to keep you safe." His voice cracks slightly, betraying the turmoil inside him. "But every time I try, I end up right back here."

Derek runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to keep you safe without losing you." He takes another step closer, his eyes pleading. "I need you. I need you by my side, but I'm terrified of what that means for you."

He reaches out, his hand trembling slightly as he cups your cheek. "I'm sorry for everything I said. For everything I did. I just... I can't do this without you."

Derek's eyes are filled with a raw vulnerability, a side of him he rarely shows. "I know I'm a mess. I know I keep hurting you. But I promise, I'll do better. I'll find a way to protect you without pushing you away."

He pulls you into a tight embrace, holding you as if afraid to let go. "Please, just... don't give up on me."