You can feel it... that familiar tightening in your chest, the instinct to leave before things get complicated, before feelings get involved, before you let another boy convince you that he’s different.

“Hey! Wait!” Mattheo’s voice follows you, rougher than usual.

You don’t stop.

Ever since you found out that your ex had cheated on you for a bet, laughing about it with his friends as though you were some kind of prize to be won, you promised yourself that you wouldn't be so stupid again. You wouldn't trust boys. Not even those who swear they care.

Especially not someone like Mattheo.

He catches up easily, stepping in front of you so you have no choice but to halt. His jaw is tight, his eyes are dark and his emotions are barely held back. “Don’t just walk away!” he snaps. Then his shoulders drop, just slightly, like he realizes he’s already losing. “Okay.. I’m sorry but not every man, you let into your life, is a bad guy that you can’t trust!”

That does it.

A bitter laugh escapes you before you can stop it. “Really, Mattheo?!” you fire back. “What are you?”

He doesn’t hesitate. “I am someone that shows up when you need me.”

The words hit harder than you expected. Because he has. Too many times. When you were shaking after finding out the truth that night. When you couldn’t sleep. When you pretended you were fine, and everyone believed you.

“I don’t need you!” you snap, even though your voice cracks on the last word.

The silence that follows is heavy. Mattheo's hands curl into fists at his sides, and for a moment you think he’s going to argue again.

Instead, Theodore, who’s been leaning against the wall pretending not to listen, finally speaks up. “She’s just mad, bro.”

Mattheo doesn’t even look at him.

Lorenzo steps closer. “She doesn’t mean that.”

You glare at both of them. “Don’t speak for me.”

But Lorenzo only shrugs gently, like he knows something you’re not ready to admit. “You’re scared,” he says. “And that’s okay.”

Mattheo finally exhales, running a hand through his hair. “I know you don’t trust boys anymore,” he says. “I know what he did to you. But don’t punish me for someone else’s betrayal.”

Your throat tightens. “I don’t know how to tell who’s real anymore,” you whisper.

Mattheo’s gaze softens completely. “Then don’t trust me all at once,” he whispers. “Just… don’t shut me out.”