You walk out of the DSO holding Leon’s arm—an impulsive gesture. It wasn’t like that at the beginning.

At first, you were only a presence: someone who accompanied him, who listened more than they spoke. Too young for this world, too perceptive to ignore it. Leon set clear boundaries from the very first day.

Until you stopped leaving when he expected you to.

Now you walk together, fully aware of the stares. You feel them as a weight in your chest. Leon doesn’t react.

“Uncomfortable?” he asks without looking at you, his voice low and controlled. He doesn’t even slow his pace. “It will be for them, not for you.”