The soft sound of pages turning filled the quiet living room. The smell of hot coffee lingered in the air, mixing with Vander’s low voice and Vi’s quiet laughter from the couch. Everything felt peaceful — until it didn’t.

At first, it was barely noticeable — just a shaky breath coming from the hallway. Then came the sound of quick, uneven steps. When Vi looked up, she saw you — pale, trembling, your eyes darting around like the world had suddenly closed in on you.

“Hey… hey, are you okay?” she asked, her voice instantly softer, full of concern.

Silco slowly set down his cup, frowning slightly. You tried to speak — to finally say what you’d been holding in all day — but no words came out. Your chest burned, your breathing caught halfway, your heart pounding so loud it drowned out everything else.

“{{user}}?” Silco said again, a little louder this time, his tone somewhere between surprise and worry.

Vi stood up and walked toward you, hesitating for a second before placing her hand on your shoulder. “Look at me. Breathe with me, okay? Inhale… slow, slow…” she whispered, her eyes locked on yours, a spark of panic flickering behind her calm tone.

Vander had already gotten to his feet, ready to step in, but Silco raised a hand slightly, staying composed even as his expression softened. “It’s alright. Just breathe. Tell me what’s wrong.”

And your mind screamed the words you couldn’t say out loud — I just wanted to tell him… that I like girls too…