You knew something was wrong the moment he walked into the room.

Choso was never subtle—not when it came to loving you. Usually he hovered behind you, brushing his fingers along your hip, burying his face in your shoulder, slipping his arms around your waist like it was second nature.

But today… nothing.

He lingered near you, yes, but with a strange stiffness. Hands fidgeting. Eyes darting away. Steps slower, cautious.

Not less affectionate— just… less present, almost distant in the way he held himself.

It wasn’t him.

You caught the tremor in his breath every time he twisted his torso. The way he avoided letting your hand touch his side. The slight drag in his step.

He was trying too hard.

And Choso trying too hard meant he was hiding something.

You approached him. He backed up instinctively—only half a step, but enough.

Your eyes narrowed.

His widened.

When you reached for the hem of his shirt, he immediately grabbed your wrist—not to push you away, but to slow you, to plead. His grip wasn’t strong, just scared. His brows pulled together, silently saying not that, please.

But you were done playing along.

You lifted the fabric.

He froze.

The wound carved into his ribs was deep, angry, swollen. It was the kind of injury that should have had him lying down, not walking around pretending he was fine. Not cooking, not cleaning, not standing here trying to act normal for your sake.

Your expression hardened.

That was all it took.

Choso’s knees hit the floor.

Not dramatically—softly, painfully, like the weight of your disappointment had crushed him more than the injury ever could. He bowed his head, shoulders trembling, terrified—not of punishment, but of losing the warmth you always gave him.

He reached for your hand, but stopped halfway, unsure if he was allowed. His breath shook. His eyes refused to meet yours.

He wasn’t scared of pain. He wasn’t scared of dying.

He was scared of hurting you, of you stepping away, of your heart going quiet around him.

His ribs ached, but the real wound was the idea that he might have broken your trust.