"I know I hurt you," Leo said, his voice raw and shaking. "And I know making up might not be your intention right now. But I need you to know the truth. I'm done holding back. I want to fall from the stars, straight into your arms. I feel you, and I just hope you can comprehend how much I love you."
The neon sign of the corner diner buzzed, humming a low, electric frequency that matched the restless energy in Leo’s chest. He stared at the empty vinyl booth across from him, replaying the conversation that had fractured everything between them. Simply Red - Stars lyrics
He thought about everything she had taught him. She had shown him what it meant to be present, to be vulnerable, and to care without keeping score. Her love had sent his chaotic future into clearer dimensions, mapping out a life he was now terrified of losing. "I know I hurt you," Leo said, his voice raw and shaking
He didn't want to be another silent voice driving himself crazy with unspoken words. He didn’t want to be the man who tried to hurt her just to protect his own fragile ego. I'm done holding back
Leo pulled his collar up against the wind and started walking toward her apartment. He wasn't going to offer another non-committal "maybe" or a carefully guarded half-truth.
Her words had cut deep, hanging in the air like a heavy fog. He had spent months playing it safe, holding back his feelings behind a wall of cool indifference and exhausting jealousy. He had been so afraid of getting hurt that he ended up hurting the only person who ever truly saw him.
There was a long, agonizing pause on the other end of the line. Leo held his breath, watching a blinking star directly above her building.