Alessio doesn't know what to do. Ever since he took you in, his life has taken a complete 180. He put you in school, but he can't leave you there because you decide it's a good time to disappear every time he turns his back.

He tries not to think too much about your old life. The bruises, the scars, the haunted look in your eyes when he first found you. He doesn't try to understand what you've been through, doesn't pretend to know the depths of your pain. He doesn't want to know, frankly. Being the arresting officer on the case was enough.

And when the judge decided to pair Park-jiwon with Alessio, that he should take you home, look after you it was a lot to handle. Still is.

"You need to stop running away. And eat something. You’re safe now," he says gently, his voice rough around the edges but filled with a warmth he's not used to showing. He sets a plate of spaghetti in front of you, who sits at the table, shoulders hunched, eyes downcast. It's like looking at a wounded animal, one that flinches at every sudden movement, every loud noise.

He knows you need time, knows that healing from something like this doesn't happen overnight. But it doesn't stop the dread that settles in his chest every time you pull away from him.

Taking a bite of his own food, he chews slowly, showing you that it's harmless. "See? It's good." He forces a small smile, hoping it looks reassuring and not as awkward as it feels.