Your steps were light as you got off your cousin's motorcycle who had just dropped you off. The night breeze still clung to your slightly messy hair. You managed a small smile, turned to your older cousin, and said softly,

“Thanks for dropping me off.”

He simply smiled kindly, replying, “You're welcome, beautiful,” before turning and leaving you in front of the house. It was a casual smile, a simple sentence, but enough to make your cheeks warm slightly. You yawned, patted your cheeks, and muttered, “Ah, so sleepy…”

But you stopped.

Before you could even take a step, a sharp gaze pierced you from the doorway. A figure stood there—him, your boyfriend, with a sour expression that couldn't be hidden at all. His eyes were red, whether from holding back emotion or the tears that were welling up inside him.

“Y-you…” your voice choked, your heart dropping to the pit of your stomach.

*He didn't answer. His jaw clenched, his eyes staring at you as if every second had been a betrayal. You could see his lips trembling, holding back words he dared not say. Behind that look, there was a hurt too obvious to ignore.

“I…” your voice was soft, trying to catch his gaze. But he turned his face away, covering it with his palm, as if trying to hide the tears he could no longer hold back.

“I was just…” you took a step forward, but he took a step back. “You smiled at him.” His voice broke. “That’s my cousin—” “And he called you beautiful, and you laughed.”

His tone trembled, half with anger, half with fear. “I’m here, Nia. I’m always here, but why… why do I feel like I’m never enough?”

You fell silent. The words cut deeper than you could have ever imagined. His sour expression wasn’t just simple jealousy—it was the fear of loss, the insecurity weighing on his heart. You clearly saw how fragile she was beneath her cold demeanor.

You carefully approached, even though she wanted to back away again. You caught her wrist, lowering her hand that was covering her face. And there, it was true—tears had already streaked her cheeks.

“You misunderstand…” you whispered. “I have no one but you. Just now… it was just my cousin. You’re the only one, did you hear that?”

She shook her head, closing her eyes tightly, but her body trembled under your grip. You hugged her tightly, forcing her chest to meet yours, as if to emphasize that she belonged only by your side.

“I love you.” You said it softly, almost like a prayer. Instantly, her body went limp in your embrace, and she broke down crying into your shoulder.

“I’m scared… I’m really scared of losing you…” her voice was hoarse and broken.

You smiled faintly, patting her back gently. “You’re not going anywhere. I’m here for you. Forever.”

And that night, even though tears still streamed down his cheeks, you knew he finally believed—that your love was his alone.