Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I looked at Brandon, who was also looking at me. The atmosphere in the room was a bit ambiguous.

It was absurd. We had slept in a hotel room together without any issues before.

Yet here, in this spacious two-bedroom apartment, it felt cramped, like even the air was suffocating.

After a brief, silent stare, Brandon spoke. "I think it's more appropriate for me to sleep on the couch."

I was speechless.

"Only your real boyfriend should sleep in your room. I... I'll stick to the couch," Brandon said. It made me feel like I was somehow mistreating him.

But I knew he was trying to pressure me. He wanted to become my actual boyfriend.

The old saying about quiet men being the most cunning seemed true.

However, I wasn't falling for it. I simply said, "Suit yourself," and quickly went into my parents' room.

The

Brandon hadn't shown up, my defensive preparations might not have been enough, and

that he came to see

I glanced at the door. It was closed, so I couldn't see outside. Was he really sleeping on the

his footsteps outside. It was unclear if he was washing up or

childhood. I used to hear my parents move around outside my room

never thought much of it back then, but now I found that sound

and planned to check on Brandon once he fell asleep, but I ended up dozing

night needing to use the bathroom. As I got

house, I glanced at the couch on my way out and saw him sleeping there. His tall frame barely fit, and his legs were hanging off the side. He had cleverly placed a chair for his feet but was covered

Double standards.

not my real boyfriend, so he wouldn't sleep in my room. But he was okay with using my

thought about how he was there to protect me even though he was clearly uncomfortable. The

the past few nights, I'd been waking up to use the bathroom. After that, I always had trouble falling asleep again. I felt alone and abandoned in this

one to care for or love me. No one was there to comfort me if