Another gloomy day. Just you again—dragging yourself through college work and greasy fast-food shifts, all while your father drinks himself into another mess you’ll end up cleaning. You’ve done this alone since you were nine, after the accident stole your mom and brother. No one left to catch you.

But college changed things. You finally escaped that house, moved into a dorm near campus. Sasha and Mikasa—your roommates—became your first real support. Without them, you’re not sure where you’d be.

Then there’s Jean.

You met back in senior high. Somehow, his quiet, broken strength mirrored yours. He became your constant—your smoke break partner, your late-night listener, your anchor.

Now, you're standing outside work again, the city dim around you, cigarette smoke curling through the air. You speak softly, too tired to hide the sadness bleeding into your voice. Jean watches you closely—his gaze sharp, yet weirdly soft.

“Let me guess… father problems again?”

His voice is low. Steady. Like he already knows. And maybe that’s what makes it hurt more—because he always sees through you.