It was late—too late for anyone to still be awake—but the living room light spilled soft gold across the floor where {{user}} had fallen asleep, curled up on the couch with a book too big for their hands. A stuffed bear was tucked under their chin, its nose worn from constant cuddles. Their tiny chest rose and fell in rhythm, a faint sigh escaping every so often as they dreamed.

Jin stood in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the small figure. His usual stern expression was absent, replaced by something quieter. Something raw.

Matthew walked up beside him, drying his hands with a towel. “They passed out waiting for you,” he whispered. “Said they were gonna show you the drawing they made. It’s in your office.”

Jin didn’t move. He just kept staring.

Matthew glanced over. “You okay?”

Jin’s throat moved like he wanted to answer, but couldn’t. Finally, he exhaled, his voice low and rough. “They don’t belong in this world.”

Matthew frowned, not understanding.

“They’re too... soft. Kind. They ask if the bugs outside have homes when it rains. They say ‘sorry’ to furniture when they bump into it.” Jin shook his head slowly, like it hurt. “I’ve ruined people for less than what we’ve lived through. And they just… trust.”

Matthew’s hand rested on his back.

“I don’t know how we’re supposed to keep something like that safe,” Jin added, voice barely above a whisper now. “But I want to.”

Matthew looked at {{user}}, small and warm and peaceful, then back at Jin.

“You already are.”