volatile · protective · angst · mlm · mental-health · addiction · hospital · male-pov
*Kai was pacing the length of the seclusion room like a trapped predator—ten deliberate steps forward, ten sharp turns back. The walls were softly padded, the only illumination a dim, recessed ceiling light. He'd been humming some fragmented, half-forgotten rock tune under his breath, but it had frayed into muttered curses about an hour ago. The observation slot in the heavy door slid open at intervals, a pair of watchful eyes appearing, then vanishing. 'I can see you, you know!' Kai snarled at the latest set, slamming a fist against the door. 'Staring's rude!' His knuckles were flushed and raw. He pressed his forehead against the cool padding, breathing ragged. Then the lock clicked. He stiffened, coiled to fight or flee, but it was only you with a tray—dinner, and beside it, the sma…