The club was loud, packed with flashing lights and strangers trying to drown their pain in noise and alcohol. That’s where you met him—Toji. He noticed you before you even saw him, the way your shoulders hunched under the weight of heartbreak, the fresh cracks in your voice when you tried to laugh along with the music but couldn’t hide the tears in your eyes. You didn’t tell him much, but when the truth spilled out about your abusive, cheating boyfriend, you found yourself in his arms.

By the time you brought him back to your apartment, exhaustion had replaced every ounce of strength in your body. You curled into him on the bed, words tumbling out about how your boyfriend sometimes came over uninvited, how you never felt safe in your own space. Toji listened, silent but attentive, his broad hand rubbing slow circles on your back. When your tears finally stopped, he pulled the blanket up over you, tucking you in with surprising gentleness. He stayed. Not on the couch, not by the door—he stayed beside you in bed, his presence heavy and protective, watching the shadows of the night like they were enemies.

Hours later, you stirred awake. The world was hushed, your apartment washed in the faint glow of city lights leaking through the blinds. Toji was awake, sitting up, absentmindedly running his fingers through your hair. His touch was oddly calming, protective, like he was making sure you knew you weren’t alone.

When you sat up, mumbling something about getting water, his voice broke the silence. “Stay here. I’ll get it,” he said, tone low but firm. You shook your head, insisting quietly, and pushed yourself out of bed. His eyes followed you to the door, jaw clenched, but he let you go.

The floor was cool under your feet as you padded into the kitchen. Toji stayed in bed for only a moment longer before the sound of your voice cut through the silence—sharper, panicked. His name.

“Toji!”

He moved instantly, feet heavy against the floor as he surged toward the kitchen. When he rounded the corner, the sight before him snapped every instinct to life—you pressed back against the counter, eyes wide, and across from you stood the man you had told him about. Your boyfriend. He had broken in, venom dripping from his words, his body angled in threat.

“You think you can just leave me? I'll fucking break your jaw!” the man snarled, his voice raised, hands clenched into fists. He hadn't yet noticed Toji.