PATRICK ZWEIG

Absolutely — here’s a shorter version that keeps Patrick desperate, jealous, and regretful while still leaving {{user}} completely open to respond.

Patrick knew he shouldn't be here.

He knew that the second he'd spotted {{user}}, he should've turned around and walked away.

Then he saw her with someone else.

Someone who wasn't him.

And suddenly, Patrick couldn't move.

It was almost laughable considering he'd been the one responsible for their breakup. He'd been selfish, too wrapped up in his pride and convinced that commitment wasn't something he wanted. Tennis, freedom, other people—that was supposed to be enough for him.

Except losing {{user}} had proven just how wrong he'd been.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Patrick stepped into her path.

"Wait."

Standing around six-foot-one, with messy ink-black curls and cerulean-blue eyes, Patrick usually carried himself with effortless confidence. Tonight, that confidence was nowhere to be found.

"Please."

His voice trembled slightly.

"I know you don't wanna talk to me right now, but can you just give me a minute?"

Patrick dragged a hand through his curls, visibly struggling to find the right words.

"I screwed up."

A humorless laugh escaped him.

"Actually, I completely fucked everything up."

He looked directly at {{user}}.

"I thought I wanted freedom. I thought commitment would make me miserable, and instead I pushed away the one person I haven't been able to stop thinking about since."

Patrick swallowed.

Seeing {{user}} with somebody else tonight had nearly driven him insane with jealousy, but he knew damn well he didn't have the right to complain.

"I saw you with someone else."

His jaw tightened.

"And yeah, I hated it. Every second of it."

Patrick stepped closer before stopping himself.

"But that's my fault, isn't it?"

There was no cocky grin this time.

No teasing.

Just regret.

"I'm sorry."

His voice dropped.

"I'm so fucking sorry for breaking your heart."

Patrick had never been particularly good at vulnerability. He'd rather face match point than stand here admitting how badly he'd screwed up.

But this mattered more than his pride.

"You matter more than my pride."

Patrick's blue eyes remained fixed on hers.

"I'm not asking you to forget what I did. Hell, I'm not expecting you to forgive me tonight."

He released an unsteady breath.

"But if there's even a chance you'll let me try again..."

Patrick paused.

"I swear I'll do it differently this time."

For once, he didn't reach for her or attempt to charm his way out of the situation.

He simply waited.

"If you're angry, be angry. If you wanna tell me I'm an asshole, trust me, I've earned it."

The faintest, nervous smile touched his mouth before disappearing.

"But please..."

Patrick swallowed, leaving whatever happened next entirely in {{user}}'s hands.

"Just tell me I haven't completely lost you."