#Alice in borderland season 2

[chrollc]

chishiya in his hoodie psychologically scaring the fuck outta a poor stupid fool in a corner the minute a game begins

[cresents]

Nijiro Murakami as Shuntaro Chishiya Alice in Borderland, 2022 S02E03

[pxndragvns]

All the ways Kyuma's pp has been censored by other characters

[anime-and-arson]

POV: Banda escaping whatever prison he was in to get to that cross walk

[jugemusequencer]

a psychological battle i’d pay to see

[madeleineengland]

Prioritize the coolness over your safety.

Chishiya:

[klaustozier]

when they force an introvert to interact more than one time

[kyanmapng]

Chishiya’s level of unbothered is unmatched.

An armed guy is running after him? Chishiya is lightly jogging away with his hands in his pockets providing smartass commentary along the way.

Everyone losing their sanity in Jack of Hearts game? Chishiya is munching on biscuits and people-watching.

Niragi coming back from the death to shoot him? Chishiya is lying seductively on the ground with a gunshot wound, once again absolutely unfazed.

[yuzurukun]

Dr. Shuntarō Chishiya | AIB ↳ Pediatric carviovascular surgeon

[imagine--if]

Hello! I see you are taking requests for Alice in Borderland? If I may, can I request some Chishiya boyfriend headcannons?? Thank you <3

A/N: Absolutely, Chishiya's my favourite character hehe 🥰️ thanks for requesting!! My inbox is open for Alice In Borderland characters until the 15th, so send yours in now 💙 I think I'm gonna get started on some Banda Sunato relationship headcanons afterwards tho, because DiD yOu SeE hIs EyeS??! And his smILE?? Imma have to start writing more 😍

Warnings: Small spoilers for season 2, fluff 😁

 ♡ Dating Chishiya Shuntaro Includes: ♡

♡• Damnnn, I don't know where to start 😵 he's a clever, smug ass, and he knows it, but I'm a full believer that this man could fall in love with the right person surprisingly deeply. I'm not making him out of character in any way by saying he'd fall in love at first sight, because he wouldn't, but he would have a growing interest in you that develops over the weeks into something more without him even realising it.

♡• You probably met when you both caught on with an outcome of a game, or someone giving off weird vibes. Probably in the Jack of Hearts game? He'll watch the manipulation and secret communications going on, and then notice that you're looking in the same direction. Your eyes will meet, and you'll just know that you're thinking the same thing, which interests him, and he'll raise a brow at you with that smirk of his from the other end of the room.

♡• Your independence and surprising intelligence are what moved Chishiya to wander over to you and make a comment or something about how it's going, and you'll get short conversations afterwards that pick up from there. It's nice to see someone who's not already breaking down from the intensity of the bloody games or is too stupid to notice that they'll probably be one of the first to die. So he starts popping up in place you hang around, just to see if you really are different in the way he likes. You are, ofc 🙃

♡• Once you've properly got a chance to talk outside of the game and form an unspoken sort of friendship, Chishiya finds himself intrigued by your personality. He wants to know how you think. How you feel. What you like and don't like. As the games and days go by, he's kind of borderline obsessed in this way 😂 because he's never really found someone interesting and special enough to catch his attention and hold onto it before, so with you, he's mesmerised in his own way.

♡• You can feel his stare from a mile away and damn he's a shameless starer 😏 and him being him will just give you a smirk, hold your gaze and then look away again. It happens a lot, and it always leaves you puzzled. Or he'll wave at you from a different vantage point of a particular game like he did with Aguni. The other people in the game get kind of suspicious by how you're both so ahead, whispering to each other every now and then and making it out of everyone alive, but Chishiya doesn't really care. He doesn't make his partnership with you in games a secret unless it's necessary.

♡• He gets to that point of trusting your decisions and you as a person where he starts speaking his mind to you instead of quietly to himself as well, and when you're on the same page of finishing each other's sentences, Chishiya definitely compliments your thinking, especially when you pick up on something that he didn't. He looks uncharacteristically, mildly taken aback as he studies you for a quick moment, but then it's replaced with that signature smile with a hint of something more in those deep brown eyes. "Clever girl, aren't you?" It's not condescending at all, it's more admiration and fondness, enough to make you smile and look away.

♡• When Chishiya comes to the point where he realises that it's not just fondness as a captivating friend that he feels for you, it's turning into a lot more than he ever expected himself to feel. He has to be alone for a little while to think about it, since it's another life, another responsibility besides his own, and close relationships have always been something he's never thought right for him. Until you.

♡• Frustrates the hell out of him on the one side, but he doesn't want to deny and push it away either. So after a time, he'll come and find you again, and instead of straight up asking you out like a normal person, he'll softly comment about how you two just work, have a meeting of minds he's never felt before. Not only in games, but in other ways too. He's not sappy or anything, but it's obvious he really likes you by the unusually gentle look on his features.

♡• Just kiss him 😵 that'll seal the deal, and suddenly you're the power couple of the borderlands with a smug-looking grey-blonde haired man who casually says, "I guess we're in this together, then, hm?" in the sweetest and cockiest way, like you didn't just make out for a solid five minutes just a second ago. He's a surprisingly good kisser hehe

♡• He only really won games out of observance and amusement before, but since you've come into his life, Chishiya finds himself winning them in the hopes of seeing you again, and hoping even more that you'll both pull through to make it out of this twisted world and into a reality where you can have a proper relationship. That's what he wants. He wants you.

♡• A lot of people think he wouldn't be into PDA, and I agree to the point that he wouldn't go strutting around all affectionate and loudmouthed with you attached to his hip *cough* Niragi *cough* but I just know he'd be proud to have you as his partner, in and out of games, when you go to sign in for each one. Like the Jack of Hearts. You'll be watching everyone go mad and trick each other, the secret communications and all, while Chishiya watches with his casual, amused expression, sharing his snacks with you while your arms swing between you slightly as you hold hands.

♡• Again, power couple 100000% 😏 he knows it, he's silently proud and smug about it, but again, not a loudmouth. He won't hide your relationship in any way because he values it, but he won't make a big deal of it when the group start asking.

♡• Chishiya knows you can handle yourself, since he's seen you win games independently using your own skills and knowledge, but still, he doesn't want to take chances. Not with you. So outside of games, he'll give you precious insights into how he thinks, so that you can realise things more quickly and win more easily. Probably even goes as far as to help you win when you're sticking by communicating with you in a secret way too. You've got to stay alive for each other. That's his only priority. He refuses to even think about a mistake that could be made, and the price you'd have to pay. It won't happen, not with him around. And I mean, he's a doctor too, so if you get hurt, he'll fix it up pretty easily.

♡• If you get overwhelmed every so often by the deaths and the blood and the pain, like having to take a step back and control your breathing, stop yourself from crying, Chishiya will know straight away. He's not afraid to show part of his hidden soft side with you, even if it's only been a week or so since you've met or you're not officially dating - he's not shy. Just reserved. So he'll tilt your face to look him dead in the eye with a gentle touch, and whisper so only the two of you can hear, "Don't cry now. You've got to use that brain of yours to get back home with me. Understand? Come on, breathe, you can do it."

♡• Behind closed doors, he's a lot more open to affection. Chishiya is the warmest boy ever when you want cuddles after a particularly rough face card game, or just to be close to him. Sometimes you'll talk in hushed tones about your pasts, or what you'll do in the future outside of the borderlands, sometimes it's just a comfortable silence. He finds it hilarious when you make up stories and tell him exactly what you want to do back at home, like get a cat or travel somewhere and eat something particular. He'll be all teasing about it like, "I'm going to be dragged with you to all these places then, am I? Just because I'm a doctor and make good money, you're gonna spend it all for me?" "Yes." "Minx."

♡• He's a whole simp in his own way, so at the end of the day, when you make it out of there alive, you can take him anywhere. Chishiya hated his empty life anyways, so going back to it after all this effort would be ludicrous. He's a sweetheart really, for sure, just give him a little time, and he'll open up to you, be there for you whenever you need him... I want a Chishiya 🥲

[champagneandproblems]

me if i were in a game with him :

[stillsundazed]

I’ve been seeing people vastly misunderstanding the whole point of the shootout scene, so I want to share my analysis here. It’s not just a redemption for Chishiya, and not just a way to make Niragi seem deep and complex. It’s a way to compare the characters of Arisu, Chishiya, and Niragi, and show their adaptability to change.

To begin, the initial main focus of it all is Chishiya. He has just left the King of Diamonds venue, and has realized that he is jealous of people like Kuzuryuu who are able to die happily with a purpose. He is seeking to speak with someone, to open up about his inner turmoils. That is when he gets caught between Arisu and Niragi, two ends of a morality spectrum he is struggling to find his place on.

Now, why does Niragi start this shootout? He says that he, Arisu, and Chishiya are all too similar, and due to this only one of them can live (although, it is later evident that it is for this very reason all three of them survive). Niragi doesn’t say they are similar in regards to their actions in the games; he says this in regards to how they are all inherently selfish people at the core. They put themselves first and foremost, whether intentional or not, and hurt those around them as a result.

For Arisu, this makes more sense in the context of his manga characterization. Manga Arisu has the unintentional tendency of doing things for his own sake when he thinks he has the group’s best interest at heart, and his speech mannerisms mainly revolve around his own feelings. He is selfish without realizing it. The shootout finally makes him conscious of this, and makes him want to remedy this. He is adaptable to change for the better.

For Chishiya, this has been evident from the beginning. He will manipulate and use others for his own gain, without worrying what happens to them afterward. He never goes out of his way to help others, but at the same time never directly hurts them either. He has and recognizes this selfish indifference towards all facets of life. However, the games make him envious of people like Arisu, who are adaptable to change.

For Niragi, it has always been obvious how he embraces his selfishness. He enjoys going out of his way to hurt others and make them suffer. He becomes the abuser to keep from being vulnerable. He is the oddball out of the three, because despite everything, he does not want to change.

Their selfishness is just the example that Niragi gives, but there are other things they have in common as well. Their upbringings, for one – they all lacked love and affection in their home lives. What makes them different in this sense is that Arisu had Chota and Karube to hold him up, who made him more friendly and optimistic towards life. Chishiya had no friends, but no enemies either, which led to his indifference towards life. Niragi had abusers, which led to his hatred and resentment towards life. There’s also how they all initially wanted to stay in the Borderlands; Arisu because he wanted to avoid his real world responsibilities, Chishiya because he was intrigued by the intellectual stimulation and death of the games, and Niragi because he could thrive in a world without laws. But they all eventually came to the realization that they wanted to leave; Arisu first due to escaping and finding a reason for living, Chishiya next due to realizing he needs to reject the offer to truly change, and finally Niragi not because he changed, but because he simply wanted to live.

As you can see, they are all similar characters at three different levels of intensity. Arisu at level one, the level where he is still capable of goodness. Niragi at level three, where he is too far gone and considered evil. Chishiya is stuck in a morally gray area between the two, trying to figure out where he should place himself.

Anyways, back to the shootout. Chishiya came here to talk to Arisu because he wanted to change for the better. But then Niragi came and pulled him backwards, halting his progress. The shootout is a battle of moralities; a push-and-pull between Arisu’s good and Niragi’s evil.

The whole point of this scene was to give all three of them time for introspection. Who are they currently, and who do they want to become? Niragi’s comment about all of them being similar spurs their answers. Arisu is disgusted at the realization of being so similar to Niragi, so he quickly puts his gun down and pledges to change. Chishiya is inclined to distance himself from Niragi once he sees Arisu’s resolve, and only puts his gun down to become uncharacteristic and save Usagi. And Niragi, upon seeing the other two take this chance to renew themselves, realizes that he was foolish to believe anyone could be like him in the first place. He truly is alone in this world, and he only has himself to blame for it. He never lets go of his gun – he fires. And in that split second, why does Arisu pick his gun back up after vowing to change? He does it to save Usagi. To not be selfish and shoot Niragi out of his own hatred, but for the sake of saving Usagi’s life instead. Saving Usagi is the turning point for Arisu’s character, and for Chishiya as well. Niragi’s attempt to kill her demonstrates how he never wanted to change to begin with.

So yes, Niragi was right in saying they are all similar in terms of their selfishness. But he was wrong to believe that they were kindred to him and could not change.

TLDR; all three of them are foils, bound together by their inherent selfishness. This shootout is the defining scene for their characters. Arisu is adaptable to change, Chishiya struggles with his alignment but ultimately chooses to change like Arisu, and Niragi was never meant to change in the first place.

[cresents]

Alice in Borderland 2022

S02E08

[chichix]

Hello! Your Chishiya posts are so good!

Could I ask one where Chishiya and y/n are playing the Jack of Hearts and he is trying to save them even if the others around are trying to manipulate y/n or get her in danger?

Maybe a worried and over protective Chishiya? u.u

Thank you so much for your time and patience! 💜

Ofc! I appreciate the request and the idea! <3

Chishiya x Fem!reader

Warnings!: AIB s2 ep 3-4 spoilers! Protective!Chishiya x Fem!reader, Worried!Chishiya x Fem!reader, attempted manipulation to reader

*has the ending of them finding the Jack

Summary: Chishiya and you are playing the Jack of Hearts game..others around are you are trying to manipulate you or put you in other danger, but Chishiya is here to protect you from them.

╔═══════ ೋღ 💉 ღೋ ═══════╗

Chishiya and you were waiting for the game to begin, you wondered what the collars are for, but tried to brush it off to not make you stress as much. Chishiya had noticed your look on your face, a nervous look he suspected. "Something wrong?" He said lifting one of his eyebrows up slightly. You looked at him and bit your lip, "Just wondering what these collars may be used for." You replied stepping an inch closer to him. "Well, we'll see in a few when another player joins." He said trying to convince you not to worry to much, though he was one worrying a lot to protect you with all cost. You just nodded while you put your hands in your pocket. Another player had joined the game, the game was ready to start.

Once everyone heard what the game was about, some people panicked. “You’ll tell the truth to me right..” You said firmly not looking at Chishiya. “Yeah, you know I will.” He said doing a side smile, you smiled as well at his words. After waiting, the first round was going to begin. The speaker had spoken again and addressed to go in any room to tell your answer. You and Chishiya were going to the rooms that you were told to go, “Remember your symbol?” Chishiya spoke, you nodded and went into one of the doors and so did Chishiya. When you got into the room, the door shut automatically. The speaker had said to say your answer, you paused for a second, “Diamond.” You said confidently. You made it out alive, the doors opened and the people that people survived got out. You patiently waited for Chishiya to walk out the doors, when you saw him you softly smiled. You both walked together to the cafeteria to get a snack, once you got there you picked out your favorite snack, while Chishiya picked some cookies, that you assumed was his favorite as well. You both sat down at a table and started discuss whats going to happen, “The Jack most likely won’t make a move at the moment, but when people begin to kill off people and lesser people are here the Jack will then make his move.” Your partner said while taking a bite of his snack, “I just wonder who it is.” You replied, “They’ll reveal themselves near the end of the game, possibly.” He responded to you looking at the group of people in the cafeteria.

You and Chishiya chatted for awhile until it was the next round, you were going to go into one of rooms again until someone stopped you. Chishiya noticed but acted like he didn’t see anything so he hid behind the doors that were open. “What?” You told the girl with the blue dress, “Hello! I’m Urumia I wouldn’t trust that man that you are with~..I think he may be the Jack. Since your always with him I’d say lie about his symbol to him. Well..goodbye then! If he is the Jack..thank me for saving you!” The girl said while walking away smiling, Chishiya walked behind you, he touched your shoulder that made you turn around fast. “She’s trying to kill off people to figure out the Jack. If you believed her and killed me off you could be another victim of being killed off.” He said reassuring you that you can trust him. “Okay..I promise I’ll let you live next round. We’ll get out of this together.” You responded confidently, he smiled and went into a room, and so did you. Once the round was over you both went in the cafeteria to tell each other your symbols. The girl that talked to you kept staring at you, the look was like ‘you know what to do.’ You looked away from her and looked at Chishiya’s symbol. “You’re a spade” you said, “Alright then, turn around and I’ll tell you yours.” He said turning around facing you. “Okay!” You smiled and turned around. “You’re a heart” He replied.

It was the next round, you both went into the rooms and told your answers. The round ended, as usual you and Chishiya walked together to the cafeteria. Urumia noticed you let him live, she was going to kill you off. Like Chishiya said. She was talking to her group and explaining there symbols, until..“Hey guys..I think she’s the Jack.” She said pointing her finger at you but not making it obvious. “Ima go get more snacks, I’ll be right back.” Chishiya told you, touching your hands. “Okay! Be back fast so I don’t have to be alone.” You teasingly said while doing a side smile. He just smiled and left, while he was getting snacks he’d always keep an eye out for you. He stopped when the girl came up to you again, he carefully watched what she was doing. “Can you tell me my symbol?” Urumia had asked you tilting her head, “Sure..!” You said standing up, Urumia smiled and turned around. “Your symbol is a club.” You reassured her you weren’t lying. “Lovely~! I can tell you yours!” She replied, “Oh okay..” You turned around making your back face her. “You’re a..spade!” She was lying. You turned around and nodded. Urumia left and went back to her group. You sat back down and waited for Chishiya. He came back and placed the items on the table, “Let me see your symbol.” Was the first thing he said, you just faced your back towards him and let him look. “Well she lied. You’re a club.” He looked away from your back and back at the table, your eyes widened and faced him. “I almost got..” “Tricked.” You both looked at each other until you booped his nose. He smiled and shook his head, “Ima just make you follow me everywhere now. Can’t trust no one.” He broke the silence with his words and booped your nose as well. You rolled your eyes and smiled.

{Time Skip}

After rounds and rounds of the game, people continued to die, same with Urumia after someone had lied about her symbol. Now, it was only down to six people. Who is the Jack? Chishiya and you were talking to a man that never talked to us, just Banda. “Can you tell us are symbols, we’re being sure that its true.” You said, the man just walked off. Chishiya held your hand but you didn’t mind. “By the looks at him I won’t trust him. He’s most likely the Jack. Chishiya whispered while lifting his eyebrows. “Possibly.” You said mumbling. The man stopped for a moment, “You’re a club, she’s a heart.” He then walked off somewhere else. “Wrong.” You said almost giggling. Chishiya just smirked and put his left hand in his pocket. You were getting snacks and drinks..and of course Chishiya was there with you just holding the bottom of your shirt. “You don’t always have to keep following me.” You stated. “Yeah but I don’t trust other people. Besides I want to keep you save.” He replied smiling, you chuckled while walking back to the table. Chishiya sat down next to you. A woman came into the cafeteria and got the small packets of cookies..again. You and Chishiya noticed the pattern with the man and the woman, they were teaming up together secretly. You both ignored her..but were watching her carefully, the woman felt eyes watching her so she slowly walked away. “I have a feeling she may kill off the man she’s with.” Chishiya curiously asked. "I agree as well." You explained, you bit your lip and shook your head.

It was time for next round. As you were walking to the rooms, the man that you and Chishiya spoke to came up to you. You looked at him and stepped back. “I wouldn’t be with or trust the guy your with. If you really think about it, he’s using you to stay hidden from the others. He might lie to you and kill you.” He stated and stepped closer to you. Chishiya walked past him grabbed your hand, “How should she trust you. You could be the Jack yourself.” The man stood quiet, he looked at you. “You’ll see for yourself sooner or later.” He left and went into one of he rooms, “Hm.” Chishiya mumbled while you patted his shoulder with your free hand. You both went into the separate rooms and said your final answers.

The round was over. The man that spoke to you walked out, he saw no one come out of the rooms. “I..won.” He said, he had began laughing until Chishiya came out one of the rooms, “And so we were right.” He said with a side smile, you then came out of one of the rooms and went over to Chishiya beside him. The man was confused and shocked. Banda had came around the corner, and so did the suited man.

As soon you and Chishiya left the building, the blimp hovering over it exploded. “Well then. Next game?” You lifted one of your eyebrows and waited for his response. He hummed, “Lets go.” He replied, you nodded.

You both walked to find a new game. Will you guys survive this time?

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[anime-and-arson]

Episode 7 had me in so many emotions it’s not even funny I don’t even think I could see what was happening for most of it through my tears

[chillypowder]

"More Than Words"

Pairing: Chishiya X Reader

Summary: In a place Unknown to you your happy to have met Chishiya. Your life line and aswell as your grim reaper. And your unrequited lover..I meant your Friend,Just your Friend.

In the Borderlands, everyone you loved was a weakness, a target. Survival didn’t allow for attachments. But you, reckless and hopeless, had latched onto Chishiya anyway. It was foolish—you knew that. He’d never given you any reason to hope. He didn’t do closeness, didn’t do love. To him, you were probably just another face in this hellscape. Maybe not a stranger, but not someone he would ever call his own.

And yet, there were those stolen moments. The way his gaze lingered a fraction too long. The quiet conversations in dim-lit rooms after exhausting games. The way he’d listen, lips pressed tight as if fighting back some invisible wall. He’d listen, and you’d talk, filling up the silence as though you could get closer to him through sheer force of will.

But even then, it had never been enough. You knew you were just a friend.

Still, when you entered this game together, you hoped maybe this time it would be different. This game was brutal, built to split people apart, confuse them, turn every choice into a gamble. It was meant to break you, just like all the rest. But he was here. And as the walls shifted and the path twisted, your only thought was of finding him, of reaching him before it was too late.

3...2...1…

The clock started, and you bolted forward, searching, shouting his name. Every twist and turn separated you further, every dead-end taunting you. Panic clawed at your chest, but you shoved it down, forcing yourself to keep moving, to believe you’d find him.

Finally, there he was. Chishiya stood in a clearing, trapped between jagged edges of electrified wire and a barricade that forced him into a narrow path. You saw the calculation in his eyes, his mind already working through the maze, testing every possibility for escape.

"Chishiya!" You called his name, stumbling toward him.

He turned, and for a second, you thought you saw something vulnerable flicker across his face—a hesitation, a softness that he couldn’t mask quickly enough. But just as soon as it appeared, it was gone, his gaze hardening into that unreadable stare you knew too well.

“Go. I’ll figure this out,” he said, voice flat, his expression guarded. “You can still make it.”

The words cut deep. Every time, he kept his distance. Every time, he made it clear—there was no place for you in his heart. And maybe that was your mistake. Because to you, he was everything. To him, you were just a friend.

“Not without you,” you said, your voice shaking, the desperation slipping through. “Chishiya, please…”

He shook his head, a hint of frustration breaking through his stoic mask. “Don’t be foolish. You’ll only get yourself killed.”

But you were already past the point of caution. “You think I’d just leave you here? After everything?”

He averted his gaze, jaw tight. “Why does it matter so much to you?”

A thousand answers surged forward, each one more painful than the last. You wanted to tell him that he mattered. That you’d give anything if he’d just let you in. That every time he held you at arm’s length, it felt like another piece of your heart cracking, splintering, but you couldn’t stop coming back to him. Even knowing it could never be enough.

“It matters because…” Your voice wavered, your throat tightening. “Because you matter. Because maybe you don’t care, but I—”

The words were cut short as the floor lit up with an ominous red glow, the game’s timer ticking down. You were running out of time.

“Leave, now,” he commanded, his gaze hard and unyielding. The same way he’d told you countless times. The same look that reminded you of all the times he’d only see you as a friend.

But you didn’t move. Couldn’t. Instead, you reached for him, feeling the warmth of his arm under your fingers.

He froze, caught off guard by the touch. For a moment, the mask cracked. For a heartbeat, you thought maybe—just maybe—he might let you in. But then he pulled away, stepping back, and it felt like something shattered between you.

“You’re just going to get yourself hurt,” he murmured. The words hung in the air like a bitter reminder of all the ways he’d tried to keep you at a distance.

Before you could respond, the walls shifted again, the wires sparking dangerously close. The only path left was a narrow, treacherous ledge, and the goal was still just out of reach. You knew what you had to do, even if he didn’t understand. Even if he never would.

With a steady breath, you stepped forward, pushing him behind you. He protested, reaching for you, but you were quicker. You dodged the wires, feeling the sting of them as they grazed your skin, sharp and searing. Each step was agony, but you didn’t stop, didn’t hesitate. You pressed on, clearing the way for him as he watched, his face stricken, caught between horror and helplessness.

Finally, the end was in sight. But the last trap triggered just before you reached it, a final wall of wires sparking to life, cutting you off from escape.

“Go,” you whispered, voice hoarse, barely able to look at him. “You can still make it, Chishiya. Please…”

His face was unreadable, a storm of emotions swirling in his eyes. But he didn’t move.

“Why?” he asked, voice barely a whisper, so quiet you almost missed it.

Because you’re more than just a friend to me. Because you’re the only reason I’ve fought this hard. Because even if you’ll never feel the same way, I’d do anything for you.

But you didn’t say any of it. Instead, you smiled, a weak, broken thing. “You know why.”

The timer ticked down, the red lights flashing, warning you both that time was almost up. He looked at you, really looked, as if for the first time. And for one second, you thought he might stay.

But he didn’t. With one last unreadable look, he turned and ran toward the goal, his figure disappearing into the light.

The pain hit all at once as the wires closed in, a shock so intense it stole your breath, your vision blurring. But even through the agony, you felt a strange peace. Because you’d given him the only thing you could—another chance.

You closed your eyes, the ache in your heart blending with the physical pain, both sharp and unyielding. You wondered if he’d think of you, if he’d remember this, even for just a moment.

Maybe to him, you were just a friend. But to you, he was everything.

As darkness settled over you, your final thought was of his face, his soft, unreadable gaze lingering in your memory. The tears slid down, silent, unseen, as you let yourself go, hoping that somewhere in the Borderlands, he’d carry a piece of you with him.

He stood alone, hands clenched, staring into the darkness where he’d left you behind. That brief moment replayed in his mind, over and over—the way you’d looked at him, the weight of your unspoken words, the pain in your eyes.

And for the first time in his life, Chishiya felt something like regret.

Inspired by Just a Friend to you by Meghan Trainor