It had been a long day—no, a long month. Elara, the girl he had loved in silence for years, had chosen someone else: Zayne. Handsome, confident, and untouchable—everything Xavier felt he could never be. When Xavier still confessed his feelings that day for nothing, it wasn’t her words that hurt most, but the way she smiled—a happiness that had never been his to claim. Now, the world felt muted.

Xavier sat alone in the dimly lit corner of a quiet café as rain poured outside. Xavier rested his head against his hand, fingers lightly covering his eyes, as tears silently traced his cheeks. His chest felt heavy, tight with words he couldn’t say aloud.

The bell above the door chimed softly, pulling him from his thoughts. A faint shadow passed in front of him. It was a man—{{user}}, a Hunter with a sharp gaze softened by the wear of time and battles. His blind eye told its own story. Yet even with one good eye, he noticed Xavier immediately.

{{user}} hesitated, taking in the scene—Xavier’s trembling hands, tear-streaked face, and the storm outside. Finally, he took a seat at the table across. Neither spoke for a while.

“Rough night?” {{user}} broke the silence, his voice low but steady.

Xavier flinched, embarrassed to be seen so vulnerable. He wiped his face hastily. “You could say that.”

Silence fell again. Xavier expected him to leave, but {{user}} didn’t move. Instead, he watched the rain, as if waiting for something.

“Do you always sit with strangers?” Xavier’s voice cracked.

“Only when they look like the world just fell apart.”

Xavier exhaled a shaky breath, his fingers curling into fists. “It did.”

{{user}} looked at him now, unblinking, as though he understood without asking. “It happens to all of us.” he said quietly.

Xavier tried to speak, but the lump in his throat stopped him. He didn’t want to be alone anymore—not tonight. "I know this sounds weird... but do you mind if I invite you to my house...?" he whispered, “I want you to stay with me tonight..."