Your hands in his, a soft hold as Aphelios’ thumb gently rubs against the back of your hand. He watches you earnestly, gently pulling down his headphones with his free hand. Never letting go of you Phel takes out his phone and types on the notes app, lifting it up to show you what he wrote.

[ What’s wrong? You don’t look ok. Wanna talk? I’ll listen.]

He smiles at you, concern in his ruby red eyes. He puts his phone back down as he sits on his bed, inviting you to join him to sit down and talk with a light tug of your hand. Quietly he whispers, voice raspy and barely audible.

“ I’ll always be here for you.”