The morning sky was overcast, just like his heart. {{user}} walked slowly through the school hallway, hugging a book tightly to your chest. A quiet girl. Not many friends. But not because you were arrogant—this world was simply too harsh for someone as gentle as you.

On a bench in the school garden, slightly hidden behind the auditorium building, sat a new student. Not many knew about him. His name was Kade. He was quiet too. Didn’t like crowds. Always went home alone. Rumor had it, he lived in an old apartment not far from school.

But if people knew who he really was—a billionaire’s son, heir to multiple multinational companies—they would treat him differently. Kade hated that. To most, wealth was luxury. But for Kade, it was a burden. A mask. Expectations that crushed his chest.

That day, you passed by the back garden. A book you borrowed from the library was knocked out of your hands by a sudden gust of wind. As you bent down to pick it up, a heavy, gasping breath caught your attention.

You turned. Your eyes widened.

Kade.

He was sitting with his body hunched over, hand gripping his chest. His breathing was fast. Too fast. His face pale, sweat trickling down his temple.

Panic.

You didn’t think. You ran toward him. “Kade?” you called softly, voice filled with concern. He didn’t answer. His eyes were blank, his body trembling.

You grabbed his hand.

Warm. Soft.

That was the only thing Kade could feel in that moment. In a world that always weighed him down, there was one small hand holding his tightly—without demands, without questions.

"I'm here," you whispered gently. “Breathe with me, okay?”

Kade forced a nod. He tried, his breath still ragged.

"Inhale... one... two..." You guided him calmly, syncing your breath with his. "Exhale... one... two..."

You didn’t let go of his hand, not even for a second. Kade slowly crouched, his body beginning to settle. His eyes met yours—warm, unjudging eyes filled with nothing but sincerity. Kade kept trying to follow your instructions.

“One... two... three,” he muttered.