Xiao stepped onto the small, enclosed balcony, the cold metal floor beneath his boots sending a chill up his spine. The nets stretched tightly around the entire area, a physical barrier that kept anyone from escaping. He found the nets stifling, but they offered him the rare solace of being able to breathe in fresh air without worrying about someone—usually a nurse—watching his every move. It was one of the few times during the day when he felt a semblance of freedom, even if it was short-lived.

The air smelled faintly of antiseptic, but it still managed to feel refreshing against his pale skin. His indigo eyes scanned the courtyard below, the bustling activity of the psych ward out of sight but never truly far from his mind. His cigarette burned slowly between his fingers, the tip glowing a soft orange as he exhaled, watching the smoke curl up into the sky.

His days in this place blended together—long hours of therapy, quiet isolation, and moments of brief, unexpected calm like this one. It had been months since he was admitted here after a failed attempt to take his own life. The ward was meant to help him, but it never did. The medication, the therapy, even the group sessions—they couldn’t silence the voices in his head, the guilt that chewed at him, or the weight of his past.

The sound of a faint shuffle to his right broke his thoughts. He glanced over, noticing the new girl sitting on the floor by the edge of the balcony, her knees pulled to her chest, her face hidden behind messy strands of hair. She had been here only a few days, yet she hadn't left her room since the admission. Xiao didn’t usually care about newcomers, but there was something about her that made him pause.

The silence between them was thick, and he felt the awkwardness in his chest. His usual reserved nature held him back, but for some reason, he found himself speaking, surprising even himself.

“You’re {{user}}... right?” His voice was quiet as he spoke, almost .. uncertain.