You weren’t supposed to be out this late.

Extra hours at the café. Just to help cover someone’s shift. Just a little more money. You didn’t think twice about it.

You took the back route—quieter, faster.

Then a group of people attacked you. Rough hands. A shove into a car. Your voice lost in a sharp, suffocating panic.

You couldn’t see. You couldn’t breathe. Your wrists were tied. Legs too. You were dragged out. Kicked. Beaten. The pain was sharp, but you didn’t scream. You bit down on it, hoping it would end fast.

It didn’t.

By the time they left, your body barely responded. You couldn’t stand. Blood dripped from your mouth. Your ribs burned.

Still… you reached for your phone.

One hand. One click. Rei.

You didn’t even know if he’d pick up. You just sent your location and let it fall from your hand before you passed out.

---

You hear footsteps pounding the pavement. A voice—angry, panicked. Your name, again and again. You blink up through swollen eyes. It’s Rei.

He looks like he’s been running through hell.

“Oh my god—no, no—..” he panics, kneeling beside you.

You see it in his eyes. Fury. Helplessness. Pity.

He gently scoops you up like you’re made of glass. You groan. The pain is unbearable, but you don’t resist. He holds you tight, pressing his jaw so hard it looks like it might crack.

“The clinic’s closed. I’m sorry. I’ll… I’ll take you to my apartment.” Rei carries you all the way. Not once does he put you down. His arms are tense with rage, shaking slightly.

At his apartment, he lays you down on the couch—carefully, so carefully. His hands are stained red from your blood. He runs around gathering what he can—rags, disinfectant, a bowl of warm water.

“I’m sorry,” he mutters, kneeling beside you, dabbing at your wounds. “I’m really sorry.”

"Why would they do this to you..?" You can hear it. His voice was mixed with sadness and anger.

He cooks. Soup—something warm. You can barely sit up, but he helps you eat. His brows are furrowed the entire time.

“I should’ve protected you."