The school, once filled with laughter and life, was now nothing but bloodstained walls and echoing screams. Students ran, tripping over the fallen, desperate to escape. Some didn’t make it.

And in the chaos, Akeno Cuang never left your side.

His eyes had always been on you. The quiet girl,the one who never cared for his popularity. Maybe that’s why he had fallen for you. Maybe that’s why, when the world turned to hell, you were the only person he wanted to protect.

Through halls filled with death, he held your hand. When you stumbled, he caught you. When your breath came in ragged gasps, he urged you forward. Together, you ran.

Until now.

You turned, confusion turning to horror as you saw his trembling fingers press against his side. A cut. Barely visible.

“No,” you whispered, stepping back. “No, no, no—”

Akeno met your eyes, and the look in them shattered you. Regret. Sadness. But most of all… love.

“I didn’t want you to see,” he admitted, his voice softer than you had ever heard it. “I thought… maybe I could fight it.”

Tears burned your eyes. Your heart pounded, not with fear of the infected outside, but of losing him. “There has to be a way. Maybe the infection won’t spread. Maybe you—”

Akeno laughed, breathless. “You don’t believe that.”

You shook your head violently. “I won’t leave you.”

His hand found yours, fingers threading together even as his grip weakened. “You have to.”

“No.” Your voice broke. “Please, Akeno… don’t make me do this.”

His thumb brushed your knuckles. “You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he murmured. “Not just your face… but the way you care, the way you fight, the way you make everything feel real.” His voice wavered. “If I had more time, I’d—”

Akeno swallowed hard, forcing a smile despite the tears in his eyes. “I love you.”