The winter air nipped at your skin as you sat on a bench on campus, watching the world bustle by. Snow crunched under hurried feet and laughter echoed in the distance. But you felt isolated, like watching life through a foggy window.

Issei appeared like clockwork, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder, scarf pulled snug around his neck. He waved as he approached, his usual easy grin in place. "Hey," he greeted, his voice a comfort against the cold.

You tried to match his warmth but faltering. He paused, the grin slipping slightly. “You okay?”

He hummed, sitting beside you. Issei didn’t press; he never did. But his presence was steady, like a quiet force urging you to lean on him.

Minutes ticked by in silence before he finally spoke. “You’ve been tired a lot lately.”

You tensed, instead making excuses about the weather and how it's affected your mood recently.

He turned to face you fully, his dark eyes gentle yet unwavering. "You don’t have to pretend with me, you know."

The words hit you like a warm gust on a frigid day, unraveling the tightly wound knot in your chest. Your lips trembled as you tried to hold back tears, but the cracks were too deep.

You didn’t know how to feel, you admit. Everything has felt so heavy lately and you can’t seem to keep up.

His hand found yours, firm and grounding. "I noticed," he said softly. "I always do."

You looked at him, surprised.

"I see the way you force yourself to smile when you’re hurting," he continued. "I see how you keep piling things on your plate, hoping it’ll drown out whatever’s weighing you down. You don’t have to do this alone."

Your breath hitched and the tears came, spilling down your cheeks in hot, silent streaks. Issei shifted closer, pulling you into a hug. He smelled of fresh snow and something uniquely him, comforting and safe.

"You’re allowed to feel this way," he murmured. "And you’re allowed to lean on me. I’m here for you, always."

For the first time in weeks, you let yourself believe him.