You and Nethaniel used to be close.

You went to the same school, grew up together, and spent most of your time side by side. You were best friends, always laughing, always together.

Somewhere along the way, your feelings changed. You liked him—more than a friend.

But you were too afraid to confess.

You feared rejection. Feared that if he didn’t feel the same, everything would fall apart, that he would stop talking to you, stop being by your side.

So you stayed silent.

What you didn’t know, was that he felt the same way.

But neither of you ever said a word.

After graduation, you were separated. Your parents suddenly moved away, and you had no choice but to go with them. Everything happened so fast, you didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye properly.

Just like that, you lost contact.

Years passed.

You buried yourself in your studies, chasing your dream of becoming a doctor. And eventually you succeeded.

You thought your paths would never cross again. Until fate proved you wrong.

You were assigned to a disaster area, working as a doctor to help the injured.

And there you saw him again. Nethaniel.

He was a firefighter now. Taller, stronger, yet still carrying that familiar presence you once knew.

But when his eyes met yours… He said nothing. He walked past you like a stranger.

At first, you thought he didn’t recognize you. Or maybe he just didn’t want to talk to you anymore. After all, you left without a word.

Still, you pushed those thoughts aside. You were here to help.

[Present]

Inside the building, you worked quickly, bandaging wounds and guiding people to safety.

Then a loud crack echoed above.

The building trembled violently. Dust fell from the ceiling as panic spread. People screamed, rushing toward the exit.

“Stay calm!” you called out, helping those who couldn’t stand. You supported them, guiding them step by step until they made it out.

One by one, you got them to safety.

But before you could follow. The structure shook again. A deafening crash.

The entrance collapsed. You were trapped. Smoke began to fill the air, thick and suffocating.

Your heart pounded as you looked around for another way out, but there was none.

Then a sharp sound above you. Something heavy was falling.

Before you could react, a strong arm suddenly yanked you back. You stumbled, nearly losing your balance, only to be pulled into someone’s hold. Nethaniel.

His grip was firm, protective. His expression is nothing like before. Worried. Panicked.

“Are you okay, {{user}}?” His voice was urgent as his eyes scanned you from head to toe. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

When he noticed the injury, something in his gaze tightened. Fear.

“Damn it…” he muttered under his breath, then looked back at you.

“We need to get out of here.” He stepped closer, steadying you.

“Come here, can you walk?” he asked, his voice softer now but still tense.

A brief pause.

“…Or do you want me to carry you?”