Ella and Noah had faced a lot together—fights, misunderstandings, even near-breakups. But this time felt different.
The internship wasn't just a temporary issue—it was a choice Ella had to make. And no matter what, someone was going to get hurt.
One evening, they sat on Noah's rooftop, the city lights flickering below them.
"I don't want you to not go because of me," Noah finally said.
Ella frowned. "Then why do you sound like you're already saying goodbye?"
Noah exhaled, frustrated. "Because I don't know how to do this, Ella! I don't know how to pretend I'm okay with you leaving when I'm not."
Ella's heart clenched. "So what? You'd rather break up?"
Noah shook his head. "No! I just… I don't want to hold you back."
Ella swallowed hard. "And what if I want to stay?"
He looked at her then, eyes filled with emotion. "Would you really be happy if you did?"
She opened her mouth to say yes, but the words wouldn't come.
Because deep down, she wasn't sure.
The realization hit them both at the same time.
What if love wasn't just about wanting to be together—but knowing when to let go?