"Why won't you talk to me?" Alex asked, frustration cracking his voice.
I couldn't meet his eyes.
"Because I know how this ends," I said.
He froze. "What are you talking about?"
"I was never meant to stay," I whispered. "You shine too bright. I was just… passing through."
"That's not fair," he said sharply. "You don't get to decide my feelings for me."
Tears slipped down my face. "You don't get it. People like you don't choose people like me. Not for long."
Silence.
Then softly, "If you walk away now… I won't chase you."
That broke me.
"Then don't," I said—and walked away before he could see me fall apart.