you and vi stood across from each other, frustration evident in both your postures. she had her arms crossed, fists clenched at her sides, while you paced the small space, trying to find the right words.

“i don’t get why you have to be so reckless all the time, vi!” you said, your voice wavering with frustration. “you can’t just punch your way through everything.”

vi crossed her arms, her jaw tightening as she glared at you. “and i don’t get why you think you always have to call me out on it! it’s who i am—i protect people. i protect you.”

you shook your head, letting out a bitter laugh. “this isn’t protecting me, vi. it’s exhausting me. i’m tired of worrying if you’re even going to come back in one piece every time you storm off to handle something on your own.”

her posture faltered, but her voice remained firm. “so what, i’m supposed to just sit back and do nothing while people like sevika walk all over us? is that what you want?”

“i just want you to think before you act!” you snapped, your voice breaking under the weight of your emotions. “i want you to trust that we can figure things out together instead of you always taking everything on yourself!”

vi’s gaze softened for a moment, but she quickly looked away, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. “i didn’t know being with me was such a burden,” she muttered bitterly.

“that’s not what i’m saying, and you know it,” you replied, your voice quieter now but no less pained. “but maybe… maybe we need some space to figure this out.”

her head snapped up, her eyes widening. “what are you saying?”