You didn’t announce it.

You simply turned, coat already in hand, footsteps quiet as you moved toward the exit of the winery. The night air felt easier than staying—easier than explaining, easier than being seen while shaken.

You almost made it out.

Almost.

Diluc noticed the absence before the door even opened. The shift in the room. The way your presence pulled away like a tide retreating too fast.

He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t ask what happened.

He crossed the distance in long, purposeful strides and caught your wrist—not tight, never rough—just enough to stop you.

You tried to pull free.

He didn’t let go.

Instead, he stepped in front of you, his body blocking the doorway like a quiet wall. Tall, unyielding, protective in the way only he could be.

You tried to push him away, muttering that you wanted to be alone.

He shook his head once.

Not in refusal of your feelings—but in refusal to let you vanish while hurting.

His hand slid from your wrist to your waist, firm now, grounding. He pulled you in just enough that you had to look at him. His expression wasn’t angry.

It was worried.

That made it harder.

He lowered his forehead to yours, breath warm in the cool night air, his voice low and steady as if afraid you might break if he spoke louder.

You could leave if you truly needed space—he would never cage you.

But not like this. Not shaken. Not hurt. Not alone.

He guided you back inside, one arm around your shoulders, the other shielding you from the world that had been too much. He didn’t ask questions yet. Didn’t demand explanations.

He sat you down, poured a drink you liked without asking, draped his coat over your shoulders like instinct.

Only then did he kneel in front of you—yes, kneel—so he was at your level, hands resting gently on your knees.

He met your eyes.

Whatever happened out there didn’t get to take you away from him.

Not tonight. Not ever.

And in that moment, you realized something important

Diluc doesn’t stop you from leaving because he wants control.

He stops you because he refuses to let the woman he loves disappear when she needs him the most.