he had no idea where the textbook he’d been carrying earlier had disappeared to—probably abandoned somewhere in his rush to cradle her—but it didn’t matter now. his arms were wrapped around her tightly, hands holding onto her as though she might slip away if

he loosened his grip even a fraction. one hand found its way into her hair, fingers threading gently through the strands in a comforting rhythm. “hey, shhh, i got you,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, trying to steady her as her sobs shook them both.

he didn’t have a clue what had triggered this sudden outburst, and the uncertainty gnawed at him, but he was too scared to ask outright, not wanting to risk pushing her further into whatever darkness she was fighting. instead, he tilted his head slightly, his words

soft yet firm. “you’re not a monster,” he said, his tone filled with quiet conviction. “you’re beautiful, and—and i don’t know where this is coming from, but we’ll figure it out. i’m here, okay?”