I reached out, wanting to brush my fingers against Xavier's cheek—but my hand froze mid-air, suspended like a hesitant question.
Normally, he would lean into my touch without hesitation, like a loyal pup nuzzling its master. But this time… he let my hand hang there until I had no choice but to pull it back, awkwardly and empty.
I didn't know what to say. So much had happened. So many broken promises, so many times I'd told Xavier "next time", only to vanish. I wasn't sure if I even deserved to say I'm sorry
"I'm… well." The words scraped out of my throat like a dry sob. Hollow. Weak.
Xavier's lips curved into a faint smile — too soft, too gentle — and somehow it carved a hairline crack right into the center of my chest.
"I'm glad… that you've returned safe and sound."
His eyes — deep as ever — traced every feature on my face as though trying to commit it to memory, fearing it might disappear again.
