How long had it been happening? How long had this gone on?

Kris's breathing was ragged as you slowly moved closer to them, your words inaudible over the beating of what was supposed to be their 'SOUL'. Whatever had been tormenting them for nights on end wanted to control you once more - it wanted to hurt you.

They hadn't been able to stop what happened in Cyber World, falling powerless to the manipulation you'd been subjected to at what appeared to be their own hand. They'd tried to make it right after, knowing that the malicious party controlling them was idle, and resting: they had gone to you, that night, and had told you that it was all a joke - that you were safe.

Sweat dripped down Kris's brow as you repeated what they'd spoken last night, their throat running dry.

'Shut up. Shut up, they'll... they'll hear', they thought.

Kris could feel their soul listening, hearing what they heard, taking in information like it was something completely different. They could sense the soul's reaction to your proximity, the familiar naïvety you displayed; your weakness was laid bare.

'Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up-'

Kris couldn't bring themself to speak, hands quaking as their nails dug into their palms, drawing a familiar crimson. You kept coming closer, and you kept speaking so, so softly - so lovingly toward them.

They didn't want to hurt you again - they couldn't.