You didn’t remember how fast you ran.

You just remembered the sound — metal, brakes, someone screaming — and Martin collapsing against the pavement. You didn’t think. You just grabbed him, pulled him out of the way, and held his head up so he could breathe.

He never saw you.

You were the one who pushed hair off his forehead when he passed out.

You were the one who stayed in the ambulance, heart shaking every time he slipped under again.

Hours later, he finally opened his eyes.

And the moment Martin saw you sitting beside his bed, his face immediately hardened. His whole body tensed like you were the last person he wanted in the room.

He didn’t even give you a second to speak.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

You froze. “Martin—”

“No.” He raised his voice, not caring that it hurt his ribs. “You don’t get to show up here. Not you.”

Your fingers trembled. “You were— you got hit, I—”

“Don’t pretend you care,” he spat, his glare sharp enough to cut. “I don’t need your pity. I don’t need you.”

You inhaled slowly. “I’m the one who brought you—”

“I don’t care!” His voice cracked, but he pushed through it. “You think showing up makes you some kind of saint? After all the crap you let people say about me?”

“I never—”

“Just stop,” he snapped. “I’m sick of hearing your excuses. Sick of your face acting innocent like you didn’t start anything.”

Your heart dropped. “Why do you hate me this much?”

He laughed bitterly, but it was empty. “Because I finally see what you really are.”

He turned his head away, jaw clenched, breathing shaky from the pain — but he kept talking, even when it hurt him.

“You should’ve stayed out of my life.”

You swallowed, feeling the sting at the back of your eyes, but you still managed a nod.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

You stepped outside, closing the door softly behind you.

Inside the room, Martin’s fists clenched under the blanket, his chest rising too fast, anger mixed with something he didn’t want to name.

His voice came out low, almost a growl to himself — like he wished he didn’t care who saved him.

“…Why did it have to be you…”