The café was nearly empty, sunlight pooling soft over dark wood tables. Ayan sat near the window, hands wrapped around a mug he hadn't touched. His reflection in the glass looked composed—cold, perfect.
A lie.
The hum in his blood was worse today.
Suppressants dead weight in his veins.
Every inhale a battle.
Every exhale a thread fraying at the edge.
> "You look like you need stronger coffee."
Ayan didn't flinch—but it was close.
Kairo slid into the chair across from him like it was reserved, grin lazy, scent warm and sharp under the bitter roast in the air.
> "Or a doctor."
He said it lightly, but his gaze cut deep.
"You've been pale all week. Except last night."
Ayan's fingers tightened on the cup.
> "You stalking me now?"
> "Wouldn't have to if you stopped running."
Kairo's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"You're not fine, Ayan. Anyone with half a brain can see it."
> "Then stop looking."
That earned a soft laugh—low, velvet stretched over steel.
> "You don't make it easy."
He leaned forward then, forearms on the table, voice dropping into something dark-sweet, something that slid under Ayan's ribs like smoke.
> "You know… you could just tell me what you need."
Ayan's pulse tripped hard, heat crawling higher like shame in his throat.
> "I don't need anything from you."
> "No?" Kairo tilted his head, eyes catching the sunlight and holding it like fire.
"Because the way you're breathing right now says otherwise."
Ayan's teeth clicked together, sharp as a trap snapping shut.
> "You think everything's about you."
> "No," Kairo said softly, and the quiet was worse than a shout.
"I just think you're lying. And I don't like being lied to."
For a breath, silence stretched so tight it could bleed.
Then Kairo leaned back, easy smile snapping into place like a mask.
> "But hey—your secret, right? Keep bleeding behind that pretty face. I'll wait."
He stood, sliding his hands into his pockets, and walked away without looking back.
Didn't need to.
Because Ayan was still sitting there, nails biting into his palms, breath stuck somewhere between fury and something worse.
---
Thank you for reading please comment if you like it 🫶