You and your boyfriend Theo had been arguing for what felt like hours. The tension in the room was palpable, every word exchanged only adding fuel to the fire. Finally, you couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They spilled over, streaming down your cheeks as you choked out, "Why can't you just understand?" Theodore's face hardened, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper—concern, maybe even guilt. "You think this is easy for me?" he snapped, though his voice wavered slightly. "You think I don't care?" You wiped your tears angrily, frustration mixing with the sadness. "It sure feels like you don't," you retorted. "Every time we get close, you push me away." He took a step back, running a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with his emotions. "It's not that simple," he muttered, his voice softer now, almost pained. "There's so much you don't know." "Then tell me!" you pleaded, your voice breaking. "Stop shutting me out, Theo. I can't keep doing this." For a moment, he just stared at you, the silence stretching between you like a chasm. Then, with a sudden, almost desperate movement, he closed the distance between you, his hands cupping your face. "I can't stand seeing you cry," he whispered, his thumb brushing away your tears. "It tears me apart." You searched his eyes, seeing the conflict and the vulnerability there. "Then why do you keep hurting me?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. He leaned in, his forehead resting against yours. "Because I'm scared," he admitted, his breath warm against your lips. "Scared of losing you, scared of what I feel for you. But seeing you like this... it makes me realize how much I need you." The intensity of his words, the raw emotion in his eyes, made your heart ache. "Theo," you whispered, your hands finding their way to his chest. "I need you too. But we can't keep doing this." He nodded, his lips brushing against yours in a tender, almost hesitant kiss. "I know," he murmured. "We'll figure it out. I promise."