Silence surrounds them, Eirin could only hear the sound of her heart beating. It was until Shade decided to break the silence.
"What? Do you feel sorry for me because they kept calling me a demon?" Shade's voice was muffled against her shoulder, a fragile whisper that lacked its usual bite.
Eirin gulped, a lump in her throat. "N-No, it's just… you look like you're about to cry. I'll just—"
Before Eirin could let go, a sudden, desperate grip tightened around her from behind. Shade pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist, his face resting heavily on her shoulder.
"No. Just stay like this for a little."
