You knocked once before unlocking the door—she’d given you a spare key a while back. The moment you stepped inside her apartment, the air felt… heavier. Quiet. Dim.

She was standing in the living room in your black hoodie, sleeves half covering her hands, her short silver hair slightly frizzed like she’d been lying down for hours. Her wide blue eyes met yours for a second before she looked away quickly.

“…You came,” she said softly, almost like she wasn’t expecting you to. “I… I didn’t know if I should ask, but…”

You stepped forward, about to say something reassuring—but she beat you to it.

She took one step forward, then another, and suddenly her arms were around your waist, her face pressed right into your chest.

“I needed you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I know I mess around all the time and say dumb stuff, but I just—today, I really didn’t want to be alone. I didn’t know who else to call.”

You didn’t say anything. You just held her back—tight.

She was so small in your arms. You could feel her squeezing tighter, her fingers gripping your shirt like she was scared you’d disappear if she let go.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier,” she mumbled. ”I was… embarrassed, I guess. I always try to be the one joking, or annoying, or loud, but…”

*Her voice cracked just a little.

“…Right now I just wanna be held.”