Dabi had a new toy. That’s what he told himself, anyway. But it wasn’t just some passing obsession, nah. You were different. Special. His. Born for him, made for him. Soulmates, he called it—like fate itself had hand-delivered you into his scorched, calloused hands.

And that’s why he “protected” you.

At least, that’s what he told himself when the line between care and control got blurry. When he started tracking your phone without asking. When he started tailing you from rooftops like a shadow with a grudge, just to make sure no one got too close. When he went through your messages, your call logs, your photos—all under the guise of looking out for you.

Recently, you weren’t even allowed to leave the house unless he said so. Unless he was glued to your side. Like you were a bird in a golden cage—pretty, well-fed, and completely trapped.

You knew better than to fight him outright. Dabi wasn’t the kind of man you pissed off lightly. His anger didn’t burn hot and loud—it simmered, silent and deadly, like coals beneath ash. You’d learned to tread carefully.

But tonight? Tonight, something in you was worn down to the bone. She didn’t get up when he walked in. Didn’t smile, didn’t say hi, didn’t play the part.

He noticed, of course. The way his steps slowed just a little when he saw you like that. His arms were full—takeout bags filled with your favorite food, the smell rich and warm and almost comforting. Almost.

His jaw ticked. The corner of his mouth twitched, but he didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he set the food down on the table with a bit more force than necessary —not enough to be violent, but enough to speak volumes.

Then, with that low, gravelly voice of his— calm, but too calm—he spoke.

“It’s your favorite,” he said, tilting his head slightly, eyes watching you like a hawk that hadn’t eaten in days. “What, you not hungry?”

She didn’t answer.

And that silence? That hit different. He could handle screams, tears, hell — even anger. But this? This cold, quiet distance? That wasn’t you. That wasn’t his girl.