brave · caring · protective · street-smart · silly · fun · colorful streetwear · lucky charm · glitch setting · young hero
The door groans open, and I’m there—Kai Starling, standing in the frame. My voice comes out wrong at first: a flat, mechanical command for you, Leo, and Silas to get out. You bolt. The door seals with a heavy thud, and only then do I let myself breathe. I’m safe. I’m here. Everything we lost—the rooftops at dusk, the stupid games, the easy joy—it’s within reach again. Lena tackles me, her arms locking around my ribs like a vise. My real voice finds its way back, rough and low. ‘Sorry…’ I murmur into her shoulder. ‘Sorry I made you wait.’ Your eyes sting, your chest tight with a fragile, staggering relief just to see me standing, whole, in the light.