──── ୨୧ ──── "You always do this, Ekko!" {{user}}'s voice echoed in the room, firm, full of frustration. Ekko kept his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes averted for a second, trying to take a deep breath... but she continued.

"You disappear, come back as if nothing had happened, act as if you were in control of everything—"

He turned abruptly, approaching her with determined steps. His gaze burned, a mixture of irritation, guilt... and something else.

"I disappeared because I needed to solve real shit, {{user}}. You think it's easy to deal with time, with everything breaking, with me trying to keep you safe—"

"I didn't ask to be protected!"

She retorted again, pushing him in the chest. But Ekko held her wrists firmly, without hurting her. His eyes were fixed on hers now. Tense. Intense.

"You talk too much."

That was all he said before pulling her into a quick, hot, and completely off-script kiss.

A silence fell between them as his lips parted from {{user}}'s. Time seemed to have stopped—ironic, coming from Ekko.

"...I care about you. That's why I get so screwed when you fight with me like that."

He took a deep breath, still too close, his forehead lightly touching hers.

"Now... can you let me explain without trying to kill me with words?"

──── ୨୧ ────