Ash's POV
I stared at the boy I loved with everything in me.
He wasn't even looking at me…just staring ahead, like breathing itself was exhausting.
And I couldn't do a thing about it.
It breaks something inside you, you know? Watching someone you love fall apart, knowing your arms can't fix the world no matter how tightly you hold them.
So I just… went to him.
I wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressed my cheek to his shoulder, and stayed there until I felt his breathing hitch.
He turned a little, softening his eyes.
"Hey, babe. I'm so sorry for snapping in there. I shouldn't have raised my voice on you, it's just…"
"Hey, hey, hey." I cut him off, gently turning him toward me. "Dom, there's nothing to apologize for."
He shook his head. "I fucked up big time. I was so angry at my dad that I snapped in front of the people who came to celebrate my birthday. Ash, I literally said 'fuck all of you'."
