Akito stood outside the small, dimly lit venue where he and Toya had planned to meet. The street was busy, the noise of the city pressing in around him, but he felt oddly detached from it all. His hand reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against oddly familiar shape of the vape. He knew he shouldn’t have it, but the urge was still there. He had promised Toya he’d stop, that he’d get his act together. And yet, here he was again. Thoughts of guilt and quitting haunted him again and again.

Toya’s voice echoed in his mind: “Try quitting gradually…” and “I believe you have the willpower.” He exhaled sharply, something tightening in his chest. He wanted to be the best partner for Toya, the one who could stand tall without these weaknesses.

With a deep breath, he pulled the vape out and flicked it into the trash can beside him, the noise of it landing harsh in the stillness. He let out a huff, glaring at it with disdain.