Sofie

Chapter- 6

If she loves you the way you love her, she won't run

"I think..... it's not going to work. Me and Kate." Michael spoke, his voice quiet and heavy

"What do you mean?" Alfred turned his head, surprised.

"I mean, it's not gonna work for me and Kate," Michael repeated, his voice heavy with frustration.

"I was a jerk to her today, man. I never wanted to hurt her, and for the whole year we've been together, I've always tried to avoid making her cry. I've kept quiet, swallowed my pride, and controlled my ego, but... it's just not working for me anymore."

Alfred leaned back against the wall, listening closely. "Okay, okay, relax, tiger," he said with a soft chuckle, trying to ease the tension.

"You've been bottling this up for a while, huh?"

Michael nodded his face in his hands. "I just don't want to keep going if I'm going to keep hurting her. Today was a chaos. She deserves better, and I'm not sure if I can be that person for her."

Alfred took a deep breath, glancing at the stars above. "Look, relationships aren't easy

"Relationship advice, really, dude?" Michael added with a sarcastic edge.

Alfred chuckled, unbothered. "Hey, I get it. I've never been in a relationship, but I know how to handle situations.

Alfred smiled knowingly, turning his head to look at Michael. "You know, I've never seen you do anything for anyone like you do for Kate. She makes you happy, doesn't she?"

Michael hesitated, staring at his beer. "Yeah... she does."

Alfred's grin widened. "And I think you like her more than you're willing to admit, huh?

Alfred's smile softened as Michael opened up. "I like her... I love her more than myself, and sometimes I feel like I've lost myself in it," Michael said, his voice quieter now.

"I like waking up with her, you know? Usually, I'm up earlier than her, but I don't even want to get out of bed. I just lay there, feeling her sleep on my chest. And her lips, always on the verge of a smile, even when she's asleep."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't know, man. She has this habit of chewing on her hair, and I find myself adjusting it while she's asleep, just to make sure she's comfortable. I like doing that for her."

Alfred watched him closely, sensing the depth of his emotions. "Sounds like you're not just in love ... You've found someone who means the world to you."

Michael laughed softly, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, she does. And I want to be the best for her... but today?

Alfred leaned in; his tone soft but firm.

"Let me tell you something, Mike. It's kind of beautiful when people aren't all about happiness, you know? Sometimes, the pain they give you... it's deeper, and weirdly, it's even nicer than happiness. Because it's real. It means they matter enough to hurt you, and that's something powerful."

Michael looked up, surprised by Alfred's words. "Never thought about it like that," he murmured.

Alfred nodded. "Have you ever cried in front of her?"

Michael hesitated, thinking back. "No... I guess I haven't.

"That's the point," Alfred said, his voice gentle. "When you love someone like you love Kate, it's not just about being strong for them. It's about being real, being vulnerable. That's what connects people.

Michael exhaled "I just... I don't want to scare her off, you know? What if she thinks I'm too much?"

Alfred smiled knowingly. "If she loves you the way you love her, she won't run."

"Okay, man, I think it's almost time," Michael said, standing up and stretching. "I don't want to leave Kate alone at home."

Alfred gave him a nod, "Trust me.".

to be continued....