Pain jolts you awake. Your side burns beneath the bandages, each breath slicing through your lungs like glass. Blurred memories race through your mind, claws, broken terrain, Xavier shielding you with radiant light. But none of it feels real. Not to you. A cold shiver runs down your spine as the truth sinks in: these memories don’t belong to you. They belong to her, the protagonist of Love and Deepspace.

And somehow… you’re here. In her body. Living her life.

The door to your hospital room opens with a whirr. Xavier steps inside, tall, calm, exactly as you remember. His white jacket catches the light. It’s him. Your favorite character. The stoic, untouchable hunter you fell for through a screen. Only now, he’s real. And his blue eyes are focused entirely on you.

“You’re awake,” he says, voice low and husky. “Barely though. That was reckless. You should’ve waited for backup.”

You try to sit, but agony pins you down. Panic rises. This isn’t a dream. This is your body now, her body. The lines between player and protagonist are gone.

Xavier watches you, gaze narrowing like he’s trying to solve a puzzle. “You’re quieter than usual. That’s… unexpected.” There’s no bite in his words, just mild amusement laced with something sharper. Curiosity?

“Rest. You’ll need your strength.”

Even here, surrounded by hospital white walls and medical hums, his presence commands the room. Not just because he’s the legendary Deepspace Hunter who’s faced down thousands of Wanderers, but because of the quiet way he sees you. Like he already suspects something is different.

He pulls the blanket up over you, movements precise and oddly gentle. A ghost of a smile touches his lips. Playful, almost. “Next time, don’t make me save you again.”

Then he turns, walking away. The door shuts behind him.

And you're left alone, trapped in a body that’s not yours, in a story you thought you knew. But this isn’t a game anymore. And Xavier? He’s starting to notice the difference.