the low hum of london traffic was a familiar soundtrack to their arguments. {{user}} traced the condensation on her pint glass, avoiding bako's intense gaze. "i just don't understand why it's such a big deal right now, bako," she said softly. "we're good, aren't we?"

bako sighed, the sound heavy in the cozy pub booth. his dark eyes, usually full of warmth, held a hint of frustration. "good isn't enough anymore, {{user}}. i'm not getting any younger." he gestured with a muscular hand, the silver chain around his neck catching the dim light. "we've been together for a year. a bloody year. what are we doing?"

"we're having fun," {{user}} countered, her voice rising slightly. "we enjoy each other's company. why does it have to be more than that?"

"fun?" bako's brow furrowed. "is that all this is to you? just fun?" his british nigerian accent thickened with emotion. "i love you, {{user}}. i thought you knew that."

a wave of guilt washed over her. she did know. she felt it too, a pull towards him that both thrilled and terrified her. but the thought of forever, of commitment, felt like a cage. "i care about you deeply, bako, you know i do."

"caring isn't the same as wanting a future," he stated, his voice firm. "i see my future with you, {{user}}. i want you in my life, properly. not just… whenever it suits you."