You slammed the door, the sound echoing like a thunderclap.

“I am done with your nonsense!” you snapped, turning your back on Jericho, heart racing.

“Whatever you say, brat!” he yelled back, voice sharp—but his eyes already looked full of regret.

You didn’t turn around. You couldn’t. Not when your chest felt so heavy. So you walked away and didn’t look back.

Hours later, Jericho stood at your parents’ front door. Hair damp, shirt wrinkled, eyes red-rimmed from more than just the rain. You could smell the alcohol on him, but behind that—heartache.

The husky barked once, then quieted, sensing something wasn’t right.

You opened the door, blinking in surprise.

“Jericho?” He swayed slightly. “Baby…” he murmured.

You stepped forward, gently placing your hand on his cheek.

“You’re drunk.”

“Positive,” he breathed, voice trembling, eyes glassy and unfocused.

“Why?”

“Because we fought,” he said, pressing a shaky finger to his chest. “And it started to hurt. So bad. Because I hurt you. You said you hated me. You said you’d never kiss me again. And I swear, something in me broke.”

You looked away. “Well, you deserved it.”

He leaned in slowly, brushing the softest kiss to your temple like you might vanish. His voice cracked with emotion.

“I need you to forgive me,” he whispered. “I need you to love me again. I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. Please don’t say you’ll never kiss me again. Please… don’t take that away from me.”

“If I never feel your lips again, I don’t know what I’d do. Please, baby. Just one kiss. That’s all I’m asking for. One kiss. I don’t care if it means nothing to you. I don’t care if it ruins me.”

His hands trembled at his sides.

“Tell me what to do. Anything. I’ll do anything you want. I know I messed up, but I’m lost without you.”

He leaned closer, eyes pleading:

“Just kiss the corner of my mouth. Just a touch. Or brush your fingertips over my lips. I need you. Please. Please…”

You stared at him—your heart aching for the man who shattered it, and the man who now begged to piece it back together.

So you stepped forward, and gently kissed the corner of his mouth.

He let out the softest sound as he collapsed into your arms.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered again, broken.

You wrapped your arms around him. “Don’t ever make me say those words again.”

He nodded slowly. “Never again.”