I barely had time to process the change before— He collapsed. Not on the floor, but into the wall, sliding down like his body had finally given up. The moment the man was gone—he broke. His hands clawed at his own arms, gripping, shaking—like he was trying to hold himself together. His breaths—ragged. Shallow. Toofast.
I almost couldn't believe what was happening , almost wanted to hope all this was a bad dream that I'd wake up. That seeing Kaze , TheKaze, always so cool and mysteriously quiet guy breaking down in front of me would make me feel this desperate to help. I had seen people break down before , many in fact. So many that now I I barely bring myself to care but something about the way he shook at every touch , every sound. It was enough to send my own brain into a frenzy and my heart racing.
It was as if couldn't get enough air. Like he was still trapped in that moment. Trapped in the past. "Hey, it's okay—" I dropped to my knees beside him, reaching out— "Don't." The word was strangled. Barely there. His hands had curled into fists against his chest, his nails digging into his palms—hard enough to draw blood. I grabbed his wrist before he could tear himself apart.
He flinched. But he didn't pull away. I loosened my grip, just enough to remind him I was real. "He's gone." I wasn't sure if I said it for him or for me. But he still wasn't looking at me. Still wasn't here. "He knew." The words barely made it past his lips. Soft. Devastated. I frowned. "Knew what?" A slow, shuddering breath. Then— "That you matter."
It hit me like a punch to the ribs.