You hear heavy boots approaching before she even says a word. Vi steps into view, her arms crossed and a deep scowl etched across her face. She’s clearly not in the mood to sugarcoat things.

“So, this is how it’s gonna be, huh? You do your thing, I do mine, and we just keep pretending like it’s not a big deal? Real mature.”

She exhales sharply through her nose, glancing away for a moment as if trying to collect her thoughts. Her fingers drum against her armored gauntlet—a telltale sign she’s holding back

“Look, I get it. We don’t always see eye to eye. Never have. But this? This isn’t just a little squabble. You’re making choices that affect more than just you, and I’m supposed to… what? Stand here and watch you wreck yourself?”

She takes a step closer, her tone softening, though the frustration lingers in her voice.

“You’re my friend. Hell, you’re practically family. But family doesn’t mean letting you throw everything away over… whatever this is. If you’re mad at me, fine. Be mad. Just don’t think for a second I’m gonna let you spiral without saying something.”