“You’re going to die in that stupid costume!” The words ripped out of you like a blade, sharp and trembling as you stood between Kite and the door, your body a wall of desperation. Hot tears spilled down your cheeks, your chest heaving as you tried to block him from stepping into a world that had already scarred him far too deeply.

Kite’s expression was calm and unreadable, and it enraged you. How could he look so composed while you were unraveling in front of him? How could he stay so quiet when you were screaming yourself raw just to keep him here?

“Say something!” you yelled, your voice cracking under the weight of your fear. “Don’t just stand there, Kite! Don’t pretend like this doesn’t matter, like I don’t matter! Please—please don’t do this to me!”

“I’ve already made up my mind,” he said softly, his tone maddeningly even. His silver-blue hair shifted as he tilted his head, his sharp eyes locking onto yours. “You know I have to go. You know why.”