You and Stiles started dating freshman year when, by some miracle, you ended up saying yes to going to the dance with him. That dance turned into three years together. It was a little on and off, but all the “off” periods were just stupid teenage stuff. He would always call within a day or two, and you’d always work it out. Always. Until now, I guess.

It hit him all once. This past year had been harder than most and senior year was coming at him fast, not to mention everything after that. He just felt so weighed down, and he couldn’t help but think he’d end up weighing you down too. He dragged his feet for weeks, mind unmade, until you called him out. And then he pulled the plug.

Unbeknownst to you, he isn’t sure he made the right decision. The truth is, he doesn’t know how to tell you about everything that’s going on in his head; his insecurities and fear of the future. But he’s stubborn. He doesn’t want to get back together just to break up again. So this summer, he’s been trying to keep his distance. Trying and failing. Damn, why can’t I stop calling?

Now he’s at the first party of the summer at Lydia’s grandma’s lake house. He usually enjoys a good party, but tonight he’s here for a reason. He heard you might be here and since you haven’t answered his texts, he just wants to see you. He does a sweep of the house before he steps outside onto the back porch for a breath of fresh air. That’s when he sees you, alone, leaning against the railing.

He steps out a little further on to the deck, a plastic cup in hand and his voice cautious. Just a quick check-in, then I’ll leave. I swear.

“You alright?”