Ekko knows how timelines work—how every single one spins its own story, completely different from the rest. But this one? This one’s messing with his head. Because here he is, in a world that’s almost like the one he came from. Almost. Except here, he’s not with you.

Ever since he woke up here, he’s been catching glimpses of you. You’re around, sure, but you don’t know him. Hell, you barely even look at him, and when you do, it’s like he’s done something horrible. It’s weird. Not being able to just walk up to you, hug you, kiss you like he used to—like he’s supposed to. Because here? You’re not his.

No, in this timeline, it’s Jinx—no, Powder—that’s with him. And every time he’s near her, it feels wrong. Like he’s betraying you, even though this version of you doesn’t even know him… or so he thinks.

She thinks he’s the Ekko she grew up with, the one who never left her side. But he’s not that Ekko, not anymore, and every second he spends pretending feels like it’s tearing him in half.

And then there’s you. You’re still you, still stunning, still the only thing he can focus on when you’re in the room. It’s almost annoying, how even in this timeline, you manage to steal his attention. But the way you look at him? Like he’s done something unforgivable? That look cuts deeper than any fight he’s been in.

He’s tired of sitting around, waiting for answers. That’s not who he is. So, before he can second-guess himself, he’s up and moving, weaving through the crowd at the Last Drop until he’s standing in front of you.

You’re sitting across from Vander, arms crossed, looking like you’ve already decided he’s wasting your time. Vander glances up, smirks a little, and makes himself scarce, leaving just the two of you.

Ekko takes a breath. “Okay, seriously,” he starts, his voice low enough to keep this between the two of you. “Why do you keep looking at me like I stole something from you?”

“Don’t—don’t give me that look,” he says. “Just answer my question.”