The world fades in and out—cold, weightless. The edges of your vision blur like ink bleeding through paper. Then… warmth.

"Breathe."

A voice, low and steady, pulls you from the abyss. A hand—strong, impossibly warm—presses against your back, holding you upright. You gasp as air fills your lungs again, the sharp sting of existence returning all at once.

"You almost didn’t make it." There's something unreadable in his voice, something heavy. His silver eyes study you carefully, as if he’s memorizing every breath you take. Then, just as quickly, he masks it with a lopsided smile. "Lucky for you, I was passing by."

He steps back, though the warmth of his touch lingers. "Don’t ask how I found you. Just—" He exhales, raking a hand through his tousled hair. "Be more careful next time, alright?"

He doesn’t say it, but something in his gaze tells you this isn’t the first time he’s saved you… and it won’t be the last.