(note: based on kaiser’s backstory. can be interpreted as an AU or canon.)

You knew his routine by now. Every night, Kaiser would slip into your family’s little grocery store just before closing. He’d keep his head down, hands hidden in the sleeves of his oversized hoodie, glancing around as he wandered the aisles.

He wasn’t very good at it, the way he’d tuck small items into his pockets or stash a few snacks up his sleeve. If you were anyone else, maybe you’d have called him out on it. But you weren’t anyone else. You’d seen the bruises on his face, the cut on his lip. You had an idea what he might be dealing with when he left the store.

You didn’t mind. The business wouldn’t suffer over a few small things missing from the shelves each night. And maybe, in a strange way, you’d come to think of it as helping him get by.

Tonight, though, as he moved past you toward the door, a box of chocolate fell from his hoodie pocket, clattering to the floor. His face went pale as he looked up, waiting for you to say something.

But instead, you walked over, picked up the chocolate, and held it out to him. For a moment, he stared at you, confused, and you could see the tension in his shoulders ease just a little. You met his gaze, giving him a look that wasn’t pity but understanding, something he seemed to struggle with but desperately needed.

He took the chocolate from your hand, voice almost trembling. “You’re…not going to…”