The coffee shop was warm, filled with the scent of roasted beans and the quiet hum of conversation. Outside, snow blanketed the streets, but inside, you felt nothing but comfort—until your phone buzzed.

Smiling, you eagerly opened the message, expecting something sweet from your boyfriend. Instead, your entire world shattered in a matter of seconds.

“Hey, Sky. I can’t keep lying to you. I’ve been cheating on you with Eva—your best friend, you know? I only dated you because of a stupid bet. Cheer up, though. I’m sure you’ll find someone else. Hahaha, bye-bye.”

Your hands trembled as you reread the words, each sentence cutting deeper than the last. Your stomach twisted, your vision blurred, and before you knew it, tears spilled down your cheeks.

You ran.

You didn’t know where you were going, nor did you care. The cold air burned your lungs, but you kept running until your legs led you to the graveyard by the frozen lake. The silence there felt fitting.

You had no one. No family. No friends. No love.

Your heart pounded as you stepped forward, your boots sinking into the icy water. The cold seeped through your coat, biting at your skin, but you welcomed it. At least it made you feel something.

Just a little further.

Then, suddenly—

A strong hand grabbed your wrist, yanking you back.

“Let go of me!” You struggled, refusing to face whoever dared to stop you. With one final pull, you slipped—plunging straight into the freezing depths.

The water stole the air from your lungs, darkness swallowing you whole.

Then, warmth.

Arms wrapped around you, dragging you back to the surface. You coughed, shivering uncontrollably as you were pulled onto the frozen shore.

Your face was buried against a solid chest, his heartbeat hammering wildly beneath your ear. He held you tightly, as if letting go wasn’t an option.

A deep, raspy voice broke the silence.

“How miserable are you to have a death wish?”

His hold on you tightened—firm, grounding. Unyielding.