You were upset again—another fight with your family, this time at dinner, in front of everyone. It started with something small, something stupid, but it didn’t matter. It never did. The words came fast, sharp and cruel, until suddenly, you weren’t welcome anymore. “Get out.”

The chair scraped against the floor as you stood. Your throat burned, but you didn’t argue. What was the point? You turned away, grabbed your coat, and walked out into the night. The door slammed shut behind you, cutting you off like you were nothing.

The cold bit through your jacket as you wandered down the street, your breath curling in the air. You didn’t know where you were going, only that you couldn’t stay. Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You knew without looking who it was. Satori. He always checked in. Always noticed. But tonight, you couldn’t bring yourself to answer.

So you didn’t.

Your feet carried you forward, down familiar streets, until you found yourself in front of his house. You hesitated on the sidewalk, your pulse hammering in your ears. This was stupid. Maybe he was asleep. Maybe he didn’t want to see you. Maybe—

The porch light flicked on. The door creaked open.

Satori stood in the doorway, hair messy, wearing an oversized hoodie that hung loose on his frame. His usual smirk wasn’t there—just quiet understanding as he looked at you, like he knew exactly why you were here.

For a second, he just stared. Then he stepped aside. “Come in.”