I can't lose you.

Jake sat quietly on a park bench while Jessy and MC chased Alfie around the trees, the little boy enthusiastically jumping onto Jessy's back as she laughed and carried him around.

I dropped down onto the bench beside Jake, completely worn out.

"The little guy has endless energy," I sighed.

"Seems that way," Jake replied, smiling softly at me.

"Jessy's amazing with kids..." I said, watching the two of them. It was an adorable sight. "She's going to be an incredible mother someday."

Jessy's smile grew even wider as Alfie wrapped his little arms around her.

Beside me, Jake shifted uncomfortably.

"Would you want that?" he asked quietly, his voice uncertain.

I turned to look at him, confused by what he meant.

His eyes were fixed on the ground as though it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.

"I mean... being a mom." He finished the sentence as if he thought it was a stupid thing to ask.

For a few seconds, I tried to meet his eyes, trying to figure out what was behind the question.

When I didn't answer right away, Jake spoke first.

"Sorry... that was an inappropriate question."

"Oh, no, no." I shook my head quickly, a little flustered. "You just caught me off guard." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Honestly, I've never really thought about it before... but I think so."

My gaze drifted back to Alfie, who was still laughing uncontrollably, and the thought inevitably crossed my mind.

We could have one of our own.

My eyes wandered back to Jake. His gaze was still fixed anywhere but my face—those stunning eyes I could never stop staring at, those full lips, that soft hair...

I could have a baby who looked exactly like him.

And the thought made my heart ache.

"I see..." he murmured, a sadness I hadn't expected in his voice.

The sudden awkwardness of the moment made my heart race. Jake had always been guarded, but somehow, I'd always been able to see right through him.

"Jake."

I reached over and took his hand.

He flinched, as though I'd touched him out of nowhere.

"You shouldn't worry about things like that." I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "It's not something I desperately need."

I hesitated for a moment before finishing.

"I want you more."

Cheesy, maybe, but true.

"W-What..." Jake stared at me, his eyes wide. "How did you...?"

"How did I know?" I laughed softly. "It was written all over your face."

A sad smile tugged at his lips before he lowered his gaze again.

"I just..." He swallowed. "I don't want to hold you back from the things you could have... from the happiness you'd have with a normal life." His voice grew quieter. "With a normal person..."

There was so much weight behind those last words, so much guilt.

As though he truly believed he was stealing the ordinary, suburban happiness he thought I deserved.

"Silly..." I said affectionately, shaking my head.

His eyes lifted to mine.

"I love you."

"And I love you," he replied, squeezing my hand a little tighter. "That's why it hurts seeing you with a child and knowing I'll never be able to give you that."

"I don't care." I answer without hesitation.

"MC..." Jake said, his tone growing more serious.

"I really don't care."

His face turned fully toward mine.

"If it's just the two of us until the end, I'll have everything I need."

Jake lifted his free hand to my cheek, gently brushing his thumb against my skin.

As the seconds ticked by his expression softened completely.

"But..." I added with a small smile, leaning into his touch, "if one day life gives us the chance, I would love to have a beautiful baby that looks just like you."

Jake's face slowly started to turn red, and he quickly looked away, suddenly nervous.

"What?" I teased, unable to hide my grin. "It's not like we've never gone through the process of making one..."

"MC!" Jake looked back at me, his face now completely flushed, making me laugh even harder.