Chapter 5 The Breaking Point

Things should've been simple after that. They both knew how they felt - no more guessing, no more pretending. But somehow, things still felt... off.

Alex was quieter than usual. He kept second-guessing himself - hesitating when they were alone, like he was afraid to get too close.

One afternoon, Mia finally couldn't take it anymore.

"You know," she said as they walked home, "you're acting like I'm made of glass."

Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I just... I don't want to mess things up."

"You won't."

"I might." He stopped walking and faced her. "I mean... what if this doesn't work? What if things get weird, and we lose everything?"

Mia's heart ached. She could see it in his eyes - he was scared. Scared that if this didn't go perfectly, they'd never go back to the way things were.

"You won't lose me," Mia said firmly. "But if you keep holding back... I'm scared I'll lose you."

For a second, Alex just stared at her - like he was fighting himself. Then, before Mia could say anything else, he kissed her.

It wasn't perfect. His hand bumped her arm awkwardly, and she almost stumbled back - but none of that mattered. Because when Alex kissed her, it wasn't careful or hesitant. It was like everything he'd been holding in - every doubt, every feeling - finally broke free.