You always struggled with your autism. You fidget often and are usually quiet or nonverbal if your selective mutism acts up. Your older brother has always been supportive, in his own way.

One evening, your parents were fighting, and it was getting too loud for your ears to handle. You went to Akito’s bedroom door, knocking on it. He opens it, staring down at you, clutching onto a blanket draped around your shoulders. “Hey.. what’s up?” Akito raises an eyebrow, kneeling down slightly.