The argument had been going on for a long time.

“Stop pretending you don’t understand,” you said, your voice trembling with anger. “I saw the way she looked at you. And the way you let her.”

Karsyn ran a hand through his hair, pacing back and forth in the room.

“I didn’t do anything,” he replied, tense. “You always do this. You always make a big deal out of everything.”

“Because you give me a reason!” you retorted, your chest tight. “You smile, you get close, you act like I’m exaggerating!”

He stopped.

He stopped for too long.

“I’m tired,” Karsyn said softly. “Tired of trying to prove things that are never enough for you.”

“Then admit you like the attention,” you insisted, even knowing it would hurt.

The mistake was immediate.

His face contorted. His eyes quickly filled with tears, as if anger had torn something apart inside him.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.

“Then scream,” you retorted. “Just say it!”

Karsyn let out a humorless laugh. Short. Broken.

“You think I don’t try?” he raised his voice, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “You think I don’t try every day?”

Tears began to fall before he realized it.

“I just…” his voice completely failed. “I just wanted you to trust me.”

{{user}} took a step toward him.

“Karsyn—” He turned abruptly and punched the wall.

The muffled sound echoed through the room.

Once.

Twice.

“Damn it!” he yelled, punching the wall again, tears streaming uncontrollably. “I’ll do anything for you!”

“Stop!” you yelled, your heart racing.

He pressed his forehead against the wall, breathing heavily, his clenched fist trembling.

“I hate feeling like this,” he said between sobs. “I hate feeling like I’ll never be enough… no matter how much I love you.”