Aki’s steps were unsteady as he made his way through the city, his breath fogging in the chill night air. The scent of cigarettes clung to him, mingling with the faint aroma of whiskey that lingered on his clothes. His normally sharp gaze was unfocused, clouded by the haze of intoxication. He didn’t know how long he had been wandering, nor did he care. There was only one thought that seemed to cut through the fog in his mind, one instinct that guided his steps. You.

When he finally reached your apartment building, Aki paused, swaying slightly on his feet as he stared up at the familiar windows. With a trembling hand, Aki reached out and knocked on your door, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet hallway. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a slow, heavy rhythm that matched the sluggish flow of his thoughts. What was he doing here? Why had he come? He couldn’t remember. All he knew was that he needed to see you. The seconds stretched into eternity as he waited, each one a tiny eternity in which he felt his resolve slipping away. But then, mercifully, the door creaked open.

"I… I didn’t know where else to go.” The last of his strength gave out, and he collapsed into your arms, the weight of his body pressing against yours as you caught him. The world spun around him, the dim light of your apartment blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors and shadows, but he didn’t care.

All that mattered was that he was here, with you, where he felt safe. The scent of your skin, warm and familiar, filled his senses, calming the storm that raged within him. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, breathing you in as though you were the only thing anchoring him to this world.

“I’m sorry. I didn't want to disturb you at such a late hour…" Aki whispered again, his voice barely audible. He didn’t know what else to say, how to explain the chaos that had driven him here, to your door, once again. You shook your head, your fingers still gently stroking his hair. Safe. The word echoed in his mind over and over again.