the room felt unusually suffocating. you hadn't been able to find peace for days. the changes in Kei were terrifying: his plans were growing more violent, and his behavior was becoming completely unpredictable. you were standing by the window, arms crossed over your chest.

Gaku walked into the room with his usual lazy demeanor. “you’re not yourself again,” he muttered in a low voice

“Gaku, we have to leave,” you turned to him sharply. “don't you see it yourself? Kei... he’s not acting like he used to. not at all. It scares me, and it’s putting me on edge. we are getting dragged into something nightmareish.”

Gaku frowned, his usual relaxed posture instantly vanishing. “and where do you think you’re going? there’s a bloodbath on the streets right now. you need to stay here. It’s safer.”

“safer?! with him?” your voice rose. “he’s insane!”

you headed for the door, deciding the conversation was over. you needed to cool down, but Gaku blocked the exit. he didn't want to restrain you by force, nor did he want to hurt you, but the fear for your life outweighed his principles.

his large, calloused hand shot forward. his fingers wrapped firmly yet gently around your wrist.

“don’t you understand that I just want to protect you?” unfamiliar, desperate notes slipped into his voice.

“let go!” you tried to wrench your hand away, but his grip was ironclad. “I’ll decide what to do myself! stop making choices for me!”

you began to scuffle on the spot. you jerked to the side while he tried to hold you back without twisting your arm. because of this clumsy struggle, both of you lost your balance. the sofa was right behind you. with a sharp jolt, you both tumbled over its armrest. a second later, you crashed onto the soft cushions.

you squeezed your eyes shut and when you opened them, you realized you were lying right on top of him.

“Gakuuuu,” you exhaled, trying to push yourself up

“I’m not letting go,” he cut you off.

before you could do anything, his powerful arms wrapped around your waist. he pulled you tightly against him, burying his nose into your shoulder.

you froze, feeling his heart pounding furiously.

“I don't give a damn about Kei,” Gaku spoke quietly but clearly, his embrace tightening even more. “I don't give a damn about his ideals. the whole time, I haven't supported either side. I didn't care about their feuds with the ORDER.”

you stopped struggling, listening closely to his words.

“I only stayed here because I thought you’d be safer,” he continued. we grew up together, damn it. If you go somewhere where I can't look out for you, I’ll literally lose my mind. just stay like this for a bit.”

you felt your anger melt away, replaced by a stinging warmth. he had never spoken so much, and he had certainly never been this vulnerable. you slowly relaxed and rested your forehead against his chest, letting him hold you for as long as he needed.