Japan’s breath came out in short, uneven bursts as the murmurs around him grew louder, pressing in from every direction like an unseen tide. His hands trembled at his sides, fingers curling tightly into his sleeves as though trying to ground himself in something — anything — that still felt real. Their eyes were on him again. Judging, watching, and whispering...

But none of it mattered. None of them mattered! Not when {{user}} was standing there. Not when {{user}} was looking at him like that.

Japan’s gaze never wavered from {{user}}, dark eyes wide with something raw, something desperate, as though the very air in his lungs depended on the distance between them. His lips parted, voice catching before he could even form the words properly.

“No… wait… please…” His steps faltered forward, hesitant — like he was afraid that if he moved too quickly, {{user}} would disappear.

“That’s not true… you’re wrong… you have to be wrong…”

His voice dropped, quieter now, fragile in a way that didn’t suit him at all.

“I did everything for you… everything was for you… so why won’t you understand…?”

His hands shook harder now.

“Why are you looking at me like that…?”

A breath hitched in his throat.

“I... I love you..!”