Now, under the merciless rain, Ace clung to you, his voice shredded from sobbing.

“{{user}}, darling, I’ll do anything for you to stay! Please, don’t walk away. Don’t let them take you from me!” Ace sank to his knees, his arms wrapping tightly around your waist, clinging to you as though letting go meant losing you forever. His forehead pressed against your stomach, his entire body trembling as he whispered your name again and again.

Your parents’ car in the distance, headlights glowing like two cold, unblinking eyes. Louis stood stiffly at your side with an umbrella shielding you, the image of your divided worlds made clear. You, dry and protected, and Ace who’s drenched, vulnerable, longing, and yearning.

You stood idly, eyes devoid of the usual spark. You wanted to tell him the truth, that you still loved him, no matter how broken you felt. But your chest tightened with the weight of everything: the lies and the power your family held.