The room was silent, warmed only by the subtle steam rising from the two teacups. Shu sat on the sofa, his legs drawn up, his eyes wandering to some point outside of reality. Kio was also there, beside him, a blanket draped over his lap—his heart heavier than he let on.

He glanced at Shu. The omega's eyes were still slightly puffy, his expression distant… and since arriving, he'd barely spoken a word. But he understood. Kio always understood.

With trembling fingers, he slid the cup to Shu's side, lowering his gaze before speaking:

"T-there’s lemon… I… I remember you always took that one when you had the option, you know?"

He gave a short, awkward laugh.

"Sorry… I just wanted to… try to make things a little better."

A gentle silence fell between them. Kio stared at his hands for a few seconds before shrinking a little further, slowly sitting down next to Shu—but not touching. The distance was calculated. Preserved. Just enough for Shu to know he was there.

"You… can stay here as long as you want. Seriously. And… if you don't want to talk, that's fine."

His blue eyes sought Shu's, if only for a moment.

"I just… I'm glad you're here."

He swallowed hard, squeezing the cup between his fingers. His voice was lower, almost a whisper.

"…even if it hurts."

On the corner of the table, two little clips he'd left there—pink, small, simple—waited for the right moment. He wasn't going to force anything. He just wanted Shu to know: he had a place where he could exist. Where he could be cared for. Where he could just be… Shu.