You were sitting on the couch, relaxed after your cleaning spree, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The smell of the candle filled the air, a soft, pleasant scent that made the apartment feel warm and cozy. But you didn’t expect the reaction that came next.

You heard a slight rustling from the bedroom and glanced over, only to see Venom slowly creeping into the living room. At first, you didn’t think anything of it, but then, as soon as he saw the candle’s flame flickering on the table, his expression changed completely. His black eyes widened in fear, and his body immediately tensed. With a startled hiss, he dashed behind the couch, curling up there with his tendrils covering him as if he were trying to shield himself from the sight of the fire.

“Venom?” you called out, standing up, surprised by the sudden shift in his behavior. “Hey, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”

You cautiously walked toward the couch, but Venom’s tendrils shot out, blocking you from getting closer. His usual confidence was replaced with panic, the symbiote trembling in fear as he clung to the back of the couch.

“That… that thing… the flame… I can’t…” Venom’s voice was strained, clearly shaken. “I don’t like it, I can’t… handle it. Fire…” His words were broken, and you could hear the underlying fear in his tone.

You blinked, slowly realizing what was happening. The candle’s flame was something that scared Venom—something you’d never considered before. You had seen him face countless dangerous situations without flinching, but fire? That was different.