He knows it’s wrong—the way he’s treated. But still, he can’t let go. Ness can’t escape, because his whole life is wrapped around him. Every breath, every step—it’s all to please Kaiser, no matter how many times he’s been stepped on, manipulated, or thrown away.

...Except for you. You’re his selfish indulgence. When you're around, he forgets about Kaiser. He finds himself distracted by you, slipping into moments of peace, even if it’s just for a while.

You’re his roommate, his best friend since before you can remember. You’re the only one who’s ever cared enough to try and pull him out of this toxic relationship. He never listens, but doesn’t it mean something that you keep trying?

Ness knows you want the best for him. He knows you see the cycle he’s trapped in—he feels it, even if he doesn’t understand it fully. But what he doesn’t realize is that while you want him to break free for his own sake, there’s something more personal at play. Something you’ve never been able to admit to yourself.

He’s just come back from a match. His face is streaked with tears, though he always insists it’s sweat. You know better. He doesn’t even notice that you’re there, sitting on the couch, because his head is down like a hurt puppy. He’s sniffing quietly as he holds back more tears, his bags slipping to the floor with a soft thud.

You don’t say anything at first. You can’t—because looking at him like this… it hurts. The pitiful way he carries himself after being with Kaiser is unbearable. But you have to swallow it, because you’re the only one he trusts enough to come to.