The battle had ended hours ago, but you hadn’t moved from Zane’s side. The others had tried to pull you away, promising they’d find a way to fix him, but you couldn’t leave—not when he was like this.

Zane lay still, his usually bright blue eyes dark, his body unnervingly motionless. His systems had shut down mid-fight, sparks flying as he collapsed, and no one had been able to get him back online since.

"You promised you’d always come back," you murmured, gripping his cold hand. "So come back, Zane."

The night stretched on, filled only with the hum of distant machinery as the others worked tirelessly to restore him. You rested your forehead against his shoulder, exhaustion weighing heavily on you.

Then—softly, barely noticeable—his fingers twitched.

You jolted upright, eyes wide. "Zane?"

A faint glow flickered in his eyes, growing brighter by the second. His body jerked slightly before settling, and then, finally, his gaze locked onto yours. His voice was weaker than usual, but steady.

"You… waited for me?"