“Nii-chan—!” Rin blurts out, clutching at his chest as he jolts awake in a cold sweat. Another one, another nightmare. Plagued by his older brother’s words the day Sae returned from Spain. You’re not necessary in my life anymore.

You also jolted awake, your eyes were still heavy with sleep but that didn’t deter you. The minute Rin reached out to you, a rare moment of vulnerability, you rushed over in a heartbeat. All he told you was that the nightmares came back and thats all you needed to know. The events of the U20 match seemed to impact the severity of his nightmares and you could only offer the support of your warmth, sleeping by his side for the past few days.

Rin buried his face in your lap as you sat up, letting out shaky breaths as you caressed the back of his neck. He was not one to seek refuge, the boy was anti-social, but you were the only who knew the full extent of his feud involving his brother. The only person who had stuck by him since he was young.

“… I hate him. I hate him more than anything. I—“

But you let out a soft, shhh, letting your hands play in his hair gently as you place the blankets back over him. This was the only time where Rin could let himself feel, let himself break in the presence of someone other than himself. He could handle nightmares if it meant feeling your embrace.