It started with something small.
It always does.
You and kenan were supposed to have dinner nothing fancy, just the kind where you watched movies after and he fell asleep halfway through, head on your shoulder.
But two hours passed.
Then three.
No text.
No call.
Nothing.
When he finally walked into your place, the door clicked shut slowly like he already knew you were upset.
You stood in the living room, arms crossed.
"Where were you?"
Kenan sighed, dropping his bag.
"Training ran late"
"That late?" you shot back.
"No phone? No message? Nothing?"
He rubbed his face with both hands.
"I forgot, y/n. I was tired."
"Tired?" Your laugh came out sharp.
"You didn't think I'd worry?"
He looked up, frustration flickering in his eyes.
"Why are you making this a big deal?"
"Because you do this," you said, voice cracking.
"you disappear and expect me to just wait."
kenan's jaw clenched, defensiveness rising instantly.
"I don't disappear. I have a job."
"and I'm not asking you to quit," you said.
"I'm asking you to talk to me. That's all."
He threw his hands slightly in the air.
"I can't text every five seconds-"
"It was five hours!" you finally snapped.
That made him go still.
Your breath shook as you continued.
"I cooked dinner. I waited. I called you. Twice."
He looked away in guilt, but he pushed it down with pride.
"y/n, I'm under pressure. I'm tired. I can't be perfect all the time."
"I never asked you to be perfect," you whispered.
"I asked you to care."
That hit him harder than yelling ever could.
His shoulders dropped just a little.
"Of course I care," he said quietly.
"You know I do."
"Then why does it feel like football is the only thing you make time for?" you asked, tears burning.
"I feel like I'm... last."
He stepped back like the words physically hurt him.
"That's not fair y/n..." he said.
"You know how much this career takes."
"And you know how much this relationship takes!" you wiped your eyes, angry at yourself for crying.
"But I'm the one holding it together. I'm always understanding. I'm always waiting. I'm always forgiving."
You looked up, voice trembling
"Are you even trying, kenan?"
He opened his mouth then closed it.
Silence filled the room, heavy as stone.
Finally, he spoke, voice low
"I didn't know you felt like that."
"You never asked," you said.
"And when I try to tell you, you call me dramatic."
kenan flinched because he knew it wasn't a lie.
He stepped closer, slowly, cautiously.
"Y/n... I'm sorry."
"You always say sorry." you whispered.
Nothing changed.
His eyes softened with something deeper....fear.
"Tell me what to do." he said.
"Tell me how to fix it. Please."
You shook your head.
"I don't want to tell you. I want you to want to fix it."
He swallowed hard.
For once, kenan didn't argue.
Didn't defend himself.
Didn't roll his eyes or shut down.
He just stood there, looking at you like he finally saw the damage.
"I'll do better" he said quietly.
"I swear just....don't give up on me aşkım."
your chest tightened.
you stepped forward slowly, letting your forehead rest against his.
He closed his eyes, breathing shakily.
"I don't want to give up on you," you whispered.
"I just need you to meet me halfway."
His hands came up to your waist, pulling you in gently not trying to solve everything at once, just trying not to lose you.
"I will" he promised.
"I won't let you feel alone again."
