Rafe was the storm, and you were the sunlight trying to break through. That’s why it worked—until it didn’t. Until he pushed you away. You told yourself you were done crying over him, but when he walked into the bonfire with another girl, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under you.

You didn’t think. You just followed him.

“Rafe.” Your voice was barely above the crackling fire. He turned, eyes flicking over you before sighing. “What?” His tone was sharp, but you ignored it. “What are you doing?” He scoffed. “I don’t owe you an explanation.” That stung more than it should have.

“You broke up with me because you didn’t want to hurt me.” Your voice cracked. “So what was the point if you’re just gonna show up with someone else?” He tensed, jaw clenching. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” You swallowed hard. “It matters to me.”

Something flickered in his eyes—guilt, regret—but he buried it just as fast. “You don’t get it. I let you go for a reason. You were the only good thing in my life, and I was ruining you.” His voice softened, just barely. “I still would.”

Tears burned behind your eyes. “You didn’t even give me a choice.” Silence stretched between you, suffocating.

“I still love you, Rafe.” His eyes snapped to yours, stormy and conflicted. For a second, he didn’t move. Then, instead of walking away, he exhaled shakily and reached for your hand. “I never stopped loving you, {{user}}.” His voice was barely a whisper. “But I don’t know how to be good for you.”

You squeezed his hand, voice steady despite your racing heart. “Then let me love you anyway.”