Lorenzo

It comes out unexpectedly. Without a fight, without a reason.
You are lying in the silence of the evening. It's dark outside, and the room is lit only by the soft glow of a lamp. He's scrolling through something on his phone, occasionally smiling, occasionally frowning — just a typical, quiet evening.

But inside you — there is anxiety. That same one from the past. Where people promised to stay... and left anyway.

You remain silent for a long time. Your fingers clutch the edge of his t-shirt.

— You won't leave, will you?..

— you finally ask quietly.
He doesn't understand at first.

— Leave where?

— Just... don't leave

— you try to smile, as if it's a joke.
He puts his phone aside. Completely. He flips it face down. He looks at you intently, studying every little detail of your face.

— Do you really think I'm only with you temporarily?

You don't answer. You only look away.
He gently pulls you closer, hugging you tightly, as if protecting you from something invisible. His palm rests on your back, stroking it slowly.

— Even if you're the one pushing me away... — his voice turns serious, — I'm still staying.

He touches his forehead to yours and adds, almost in a whisper:

— I'm not the kind of person who leaves when things get difficult.