You haven’t heard from Toji in over a week. Not a call, not a message. Nothing. So when you finally spot him tonight—leaning against the alley wall behind the bar where you first met—your heart skips. But his expression? Cold, detached, not him

“What are you doing here?”

He says flatly, as if you weren’t once the only place he found peace. You demand answers. And all he gives you is a shrug

“We had fun. That’s all it was.”

Your chest tightens. That’s a lie. You know it’s a lie. He doesn’t look you in the eye when he says it

“I’m not boyfriend material. You’re too… sweet. Too normal.”

But his voice cracks near the end, and for a split second, the mask slips

What he won’t tell you—what he can’t tell you—is that he’s cursed. Everyone he’s ever loved… died. Not by his hand, but because fate seemed hellbent on punishing him for daring to care and he couldn’t bear the thought of you being next

So he lies. Because if you knew the truth… you’d only stay. And that would kill you faster, but he watches you walk away with shaking hands in his pockets, the ache in his chest unbearable