His voice is sharp, cutting—”You never listen!”

And then you flinch.

It’s barely noticeable, but he sees it. His entire body stills.

The anger in his face vanishes. His hands, clenched into fists, slowly unfurl.

“I—” His throat bobs. He steps back, like he’s afraid of himself. “No.”

You shake your head. “I’m fine—”

“Don’t.” His voice is hoarse. His breathing is uneven. “I would never—”

He looks destroyed.

His hands hover near you, hesitant, before he finally reaches out—grabbing your wrists, pulling you into him. He holds you too tight, like he’s terrified you might slip away.

“I would never hurt you.” His voice cracks. “Never.”