#COMFORT

[only-knives]

all your stuffed animals love you. they're not sad if they're in a box, or on the floor, or not held/played with as much. they understand. they know that you might need another stuffie more, or that you don't have enough space. they're just happy to be with you, and if you ever give them away, they'll be happy there too. stuffies are for comfort. they understand. they love you too. it's okay.

[artbylittlebug]

[octoberloved]

[maureen2musings]

@masensus

[chio-chan2artbox]

Comfort show

[questionable-idea]

If I was a dragon i'd put my wing over you like a blanket while we laid side by side and watched the sunset. btw.

[artbylittlebug]

[randomreasonstolive]

Reason to Live #12200

    To see your body become a home you like to live in. – Guest Submission

(Please don't add negative comments to these posts.)

[naasog]

🌿The Last Day Of Summer 🌿

I’m so in love with this adorable witch family so I have to comfort them.

Hope you like it, see you in the next story

[formulaonecrumbs]

more osc with pcos reader if you’re comfortable!! like a flare up while at a race :)

he sees you 🫀

Oscar Piastri x PCOS!reader

summary: reader has a flare-up at the track; oscar notices, takes care of her, and puts her first.

warnings: pcos mention, chronic pain

A/N: i really enjoyed writing the last one so this is not a problem at all, thank anon! i want to let u know that i don’t know much about pcos besides the basics, so somethings were looked up on google, if it’s not factual, i’m so sorry! only my second time writing these two but they’re beginning to become a favourite of mine. please request some more, i love these! love you, babies ❤️

⚘ ⚘ ⚘ ⚘

you’d picked your outfit carefully — a black maxi skirt that flows when you walk, a cropped tee, a pair of sunglasses resting on your head like you belong here. you’d even let oscar convince you to come for the grid walk this time.

“you look hot,” he’d whispered before heading off to the garage. “like, distractingly hot. i might miss my braking points.”

you’d rolled your eyes, kissed his cheek, and told him to focus.

but halfway through the walk, the heat turns on you.

your stomach clenches — sharp and sudden. like your uterus is throwing a fit out of nowhere. your lower back starts to throb. your vision wavers just slightly.

you try to breathe through it. keep walking. ignore the way the waistband of your skirt is now pressing into the most sensitive part of your body. pretend you don’t feel the slow swell of bloating pressing against your clothes, the sweat beading at your temples.

you’re halfway through answering a casual question from one of the grid reporters when your voice falters. your hand curls slightly around your side.

and from across the pit lane, oscar sees.

he’s mid-conversation with lando and someone from the team, but his eyes cut to you — and you don’t even realize how closely he’s watching until he’s suddenly there.

“love?”

he doesn’t care that there are cameras. doesn’t care that the reporter looks startled by his sudden appearance.

his hand is already on your lower back, his other one gently wrapping around your wrist. “you okay?”

you force a smile. “yeah, i just— it’s fine. i’m fine.”

oscar’s eyes narrow. soft, but firm. “you’re not fine. you’ve got that look.”

you blink up at him. “what look?”

“the one where you pretend you’re not in pain because you don’t want to make a scene.”

you exhale shakily. “it hit out of nowhere. i didn’t wanna ruin anything.”

“you’re not ruining anything,” he says, louder than he meant to. a few heads turn. he lowers his voice again. “come on. let’s get you out of this heat.”

you glance at the cameras, the fans, the chaos. “i can just sit down for a bit—”

he’s already guiding you away. gently, but with full determination. “nope. not letting you power through this one.”

within five minutes, he’s found you a quiet, shaded spot in the motorhome, fetched your emergency pouch from your bag (because yes, he knows where it is), and handed you a bottle of water without saying a word.

he crouches in front of the couch you’re sitting on, looking up at you like you’re the only thing that matters.

“tell me what you need,” he says. “ice pack? painkillers? tea? i can steal a fan from lando’s room if it helps.”

you laugh, even though it hurts. “you’re being dramatic.”

“you’re being stubborn,” he says, smiling. “but i love you anyway.”

you sigh. “i was doing so well. i really thought today would be different.”

he reaches up, brushing his thumb gently along your jaw. “hey. it was different. you showed up. you looked like an actual goddess. and even when it got bad, you handled it. i’m proud of you.”

you lean into his touch. “you’re supposed to be focusing on quali.”

“you’re more important than quali,” he says, no hesitation.

and god, that does something to your heart.

he stays with you until your body settles. he texts his trainer to stall interviews for a bit. when the pain dulls, he helps you up and offers to take you back to the hotel early.

“or,” he says with a smirk, “you can stay in here and let me sneak off between sessions to kiss you like we’re in high school.”

you smile. “tempting.”

“i’m very persuasive,” he says, already kissing your forehead.

and you know — even with the flare-ups, the public chaos, the unpredictability — you’ll always have him.

⚘ ⚘ ⚘ ⚘

[lilacsandfireflies]

Sound On

Sound on 🐱

[jayden-killer]

Late night talking.

A phone call with your classmate Eddie in the middle of the night is the medicine of your current problems.

A/N: I feel like I am more competent in writing with the use of the third person than in the first person. I can express better what’s in my head. However, I wanted to give 1st POV a try. So here we go! As always, leave feedback. I apologise if you find any mistakes regarding the use of English; I'm a non-native English speaker.♡

divider by @uzmacchiato

The day could not be worse than this. Or better, it could not be worse than this in general. It had become problematic whatever I did, a real burden to carry on my shoulders all the time. Even the little things got on my nerves, like the cup full of milk that slips out of my hands, being late for class even though I had left home before, even if someone was joking by making a joke annoyed me.

Robin had told me to take it "lightly" because nothing serious had happened, but in the last period, it had become too much. So much so that I cried in my bed, the blankets pulled up to my face and clenching a plushie on my chest that I had from when I was little. Afterwards I don’t remember why my hands reached out to get the phone, nor why I chose to call Eddie Munson, the local freak from our religious town; all I know is that I did it without hesitation.

I didn’t talk to him much. In fact, I didn’t talk to him at all. We were two classmates taking the same English course during this second semester. We had had few and minimal conversations, very short. In the latest one, Eddie asked me for explanations about one of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and I, as a good educated person, made myself available to explain it to him. He seemed a little distracted, but I didn’t blame him: Shakespeare wasn’t for everyone, and I didn’t feel like saying no, especially with those doe brown chocolate button eyes...

Nevermind. I'm zoining out, aren't I? I'm thinking about him again.

One ring. Two rings. Three rings. He was probably already asleep. But after all, who would stay awake at 2:33 in the morning, knowing that the next day they had to be at school? Of course, me.

I had a heart-pounding feeling that the cornet on the other end had risen and a male voice, tired, had answered the phone. "Munson House, this is Eddie speaking."

For a moment, I had a cramp in my throat. I didn’t think he would answer seriously. The thought of Eddie Munson talking to me on the phone in the middle of the night made me shiver, yet it unleashed that feeling of contentment all over my body.

"Helloooo? Who’s on the phone?"

I didn’t realize I hadn’t answered it yet. "Eddie. Hi." I reminded him who I was by mentioning my name. "The girl who explained Shakespeare to you. Remember?"

On the other side I heard a rustle, perhaps Eddie was getting comfortable in his bed or couch. It was at that moment that I asked myself what he was doing before I bothered him with this stupid, senseless call-

"How can I not remember a pretty face like yours?" he laughed playfully. "How are you?"

"I’m fine… At least I think so." Apparently, that answer wasn’t enough for Eddie. His question had been my point of no return; I burst into tears. Clenching the plushie tighter to me, I made to answer, until he took the word.

"What’s going on?" he asked softly. I imagined that troubled expression that sometimes at lunch, in the cafeteria, appeared on his face and I could not help but observe him, curious.

"It’s not a good time. I’m sorry if I called you at this hour, it’s also past two o'clock in the morning and maybe you were sleeping. I don’t know why I called you, we don’t know each other well–"

Call me anytime.

I was interrupted by his steady and, at the same time, reassuring voice. "Hey, hey, hey, it’s all right, you don't have to apologise for this," he laughed softly.

"I know we haven't spoken a lot in the last...semester? Or more? But seriously, you can call me anytime. I don't mind talking to you."

Those three words were enough to send me off.

Call me anytime, call me anytime...

There was a little silence between us, precisely because I had been caught off guard and my frailties were about to be finally exposed.

"And you’re not the only one who needs to be distracted during no-periods."

"Right."

My eyes focus on the ceiling and my fingers loosen their grip on the phone. "What were you doing?" I tried to ask, moving on to another topic.

"I was watching television. I rented a movie from the store where Harrington works. Wanna know something? I asked for a discount because we were friends and he started with: 'Munson, after you threw up on my shoes a few weeks ago because of your cheap beer, I don’t think we can call ourselves friends'" he said, imitating the voice of Steve Harrington.

Sometimes they passed by me in the main corridor, other times I had seen them in the parking lot behind the school talking about who knows what. Surely he had managed to make me laugh at that moment, to make me lighter.

"What movie were you watching?"

"Highlander."

"Come on! I like it too".

Eddie whistled in surprise. "I didn’t know you liked sci-fi movies. You’re a woman of many surprises". He chuckled, probably shifting again. "Well, obviously we’re both nerds. Although I should have expected it from the leader of the Hellfire."

"You should come sometime. To our D&D sessions, I mean." I felt Eddie take a deep breath and throw it out, as if he had thought twice about whether to ask me or not. I felt my face going on fire at that moment.

"Really?"

"Really, really."

Everything was happening so fast that I didn’t realize it had been an hour and a half since I started the call. The conversation was one of those typical between two friends who knew each other for a lifetime and it seemed that the embarrassment I showed at first in calling him had never existed. I wish he was here…

No, no, no. Don’t start again. Keep it together, woman!

I yawned. The new position I had taken had become too comfortable and sleep was about to take over me. "Are you sleepy?" Eddie asked me with a tired tone, and once again I imagined him lying on the sofa, looking at the TV with distracted eyes.

"Yes," I said, "and you should sleep too."

God, why was I reminding him? It wasn’t my boyfriend. Was I going too far?

"Right, and tomorrow we���re gonna have another day in that shit-hole jail."

"The jail is the school?" I chuckled, rubbing my eyes.

"School, jail...doesn't make a difference to me anyway" He yawned too. "Was I helpful?" he asked and I furrowed my eyebrows at that question. "What do you mean?"

"It seems like my job here is done." He then replied and I facepalmed mentally because he had asked me if he was helpful of making me forget what happened during these weeks. I nodded, even if he couldn't see me at all. "Very much."

"Great. Then, sleep well, okay? I hope to see you tomorrow at school."

He wants to see me. Me. The thought of it made my heart do a flip in my ribcage, and I couldn't contain the large, tired smile appearing on my face. It felt like a scene coming straight from a rom-com movie, even though my life wasn't a comedy at all.

"Sure. Yeah. Maybe...at lunch?"

"Come by my table. I'll introduce you to my fellow followers".

What was that so surprising to me? Eddie wasn’t really who the town thought he was. They painted him as if it were a creature from Dante’s hell, when he represented its exact opposite. He was friendly, funny, kind, cordial and even offered to meet his group of friends. I was looking forward to tomorrow morning.

"Of course! Yes, I would love to".

"You’d better rest then. I’ll see you tomorrow."

Before I could hang up the phone, Eddie said one last thing that kept me awake for a little while:

"You’re a nice person. I’m glad to have spoken with you".

[artbylittlebug]

[kartoonkane]

Jin offers you comfort.

[ccupcakeyss]

can i req mha boys with a sunshine partner that goes through severe depressive episodes if you’re comfy with that

okay lowkey this sounds so cute for fluff esp for katsuki OKAOKAY thank you for ur request!!!

˳　 ⊹ IN THEIR ARMS, I HEAL 𓏼 𝜗℘

SUMMARY: this story follows the reader as they navigate depressive episodes, finding comfort and support from the MHA boys.

CW: depression, emotional struggles, anxiety, feelings of isolation, mention of self-doubt, and potential triggers related to mental health challenges. please read with caution if these topics are sensitive for you. this is super repetitive; so it can get boring but enjoy while you can!!

NOTES: including: katsuki bakugo, izuku midoriya, kirishima eijirou, shoto todoroki, denki kaminari, hanta sero, tenya iida and hitoshi shinso! please enjoy! btw, i literally made every story start the same js with diff characters HELP so... YEAH ANYWAYS ENJOY READING

KATSUKI BAKUGO

Katsuki Bakugo was never one to show weakness. To him, emotions were a distraction, a vulnerability that could get in the way of his goal—becoming the strongest hero. That’s why he kept his distance from everyone. He didn’t need anyone. He didn’t need their pity, their concern, or their soft words. He didn’t have time for people who couldn’t keep up with his pace.

But there was one person who was different. You.

You weren’t like the others. You weren’t fragile or weak. You were… sunshine, a light in his life that made him feel things he didn’t want to feel. You had this ability to make him want to protect you, even when he didn’t understand why. Even when he told himself over and over again that he wasn’t the type of guy who needed to be there for anyone.

But the thing was, you needed him. He saw it in the way your eyes lost their usual sparkle, how you would shut yourself off from the world, retreating inward whenever things got tough. And today? Today, it was different. You’d been so distant lately, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

It was after class when he saw you. The common room was nearly empty, and you were sitting in one of the far corners, curled up on a couch, your knees pulled tightly to your chest. You didn’t even look up when he walked in—just stared blankly at the floor, lost in your own world. The usual lightness you brought to the room was gone, replaced by a heaviness that hung in the air.

Katsuki’s heart skipped a beat, but he refused to acknowledge it. He hated feeling this way. He wasn’t supposed to feel bad for you. He wasn’t supposed to care. But fuck, he did. And that pissed him off.

He gritted his teeth as he approached you. “Oi, Y/N,” he called, his voice sharper than he intended. “What the hell’s wrong with you? You’ve been acting like a damn zombie all week. Say something.”

You didn’t respond, your eyes barely flicking in his direction. That was when he felt it—this weird lump in his throat, the kind he hated. Why the hell did he care so much? Why did it bother him so much to see you like this?

He stood there for a moment, staring down at you, feeling the frustration bubbling up inside. “Dammit,” he muttered under his breath, and before he could talk himself out of it, he dropped down onto the couch next to you.

You didn’t move away from him, but you didn’t lean into him either. The space between you felt… different. It wasn’t like before when you could laugh together, joke around, or just enjoy each other’s company. Now, everything felt so damn heavy, and it crushed him to see you like this.

“I’m not gonna sit here and let you fucking ignore me,” Katsuki said, more forceful than he meant. He wasn’t good with soft stuff, and god knows he hated it. But seeing you like this, looking so lost, made him feel like he was going to lose his mind.

You finally glanced at him, but it wasn’t the usual look of affection or playful teasing. No, your eyes were dull, and your lips barely formed a faint, tired smile. It made his stomach twist.

“Y/N…” His voice softened. He didn’t know what to say, but the words spilled out before he could stop them. “Don’t hide from me. I’m not fucking stupid. I know when something’s wrong. I’m not gonna leave you alone like this.”

You blinked at him, almost surprised by the intensity in his voice. He could feel his chest tighten. He wasn’t good at showing this side of him—wasn’t even sure if he wanted to—but with you? With you, it was different.

For a moment, he was frozen, unsure of how to proceed. He was so used to being alone, so used to pushing others away. But now, with you sitting beside him, so fragile, so broken, he couldn’t just turn his back.

Katsuki reached out, his hand shaking just slightly as he grabbed your wrist gently, pulling you toward him. It was an awkward motion—definitely not smooth, definitely not how he’d imagined it. But it didn’t matter.

You tensed for a second, and for a heartbeat, he thought you might pull away. But then, slowly, you leaned into him. Katsuki could feel the weight of your head rest against his shoulder, your breath shaky as you held back the tears. He clenched his jaw, feeling the pressure build in his chest.

“Don’t cry,” he muttered gruffly, even though he didn’t know what else to say. He wasn’t good at this comforting thing. Not like Deku, not like Kirishima. But he was good at protecting you. That was what mattered right now. He could give you that.

You didn’t say anything. You just cried, silently, your body trembling as you let the emotions spill over. Katsuki, despite everything, couldn’t stop his hand from moving to your back, rubbing it in slow, soothing circles.

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re going through,” he said quietly, his voice surprisingly soft, “but I know you’re stronger than this. I’m not letting you just fall apart and pretend it’s all fine.”

You snuck a glance up at him, eyes filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude. The sight made his chest tighten, but he wouldn’t pull away. No, not now. Not when you needed him. Not when you were his person.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he continued, voice firmer, though it trembled at the edges. “You don’t have to do this alone. I’m not gonna let you.”

You nodded against him, the tears starting to slow, though the ache in your chest didn’t seem to go away. But with him here, with his warmth surrounding you, you didn’t feel so lost. You didn’t feel so alone.

Katsuki didn’t say anything else. He didn’t have to. He just stayed there with you, holding you as you cried, as the storm inside of you slowly started to calm.

Even if he hated it. Even if he couldn’t understand it. He would never let you go through this alone. Not now. Not ever.

⸺

IZUKU MIDORIYA

Izuku Midoriya had always been the type of person who cared about others, but when it came to you, his affection for you went deeper than anything he’d ever experienced before. You were his light, the one person who made all the battles and struggles of his daily life feel worth it. You brought him peace when his mind would race with worries, and when things got tough, your smile would always be the thing that helped him keep going.

But lately, Izuku had noticed something—something he couldn’t ignore. The sparkle in your eyes, the warmth of your laugh, the way you’d joke and lift others up—all of it had faded. It was as if you were carrying some heavy weight, and no matter how hard you tried to smile, the light was gone. He didn’t know what was wrong, but he could see it in the way you acted. He could feel it in the silence that seemed to hang around you.

It wasn’t until that afternoon, after class, that he finally found you alone in the common room. The space was mostly empty, save for a few students working on assignments, but you? You were sitting on one of the couches, your posture slumped, your eyes unfocused. You didn’t even look up when he entered. The air around you felt thick, heavy—like the world had gotten too much, and you were too exhausted to fight it anymore.

Izuku’s heart sank when he saw you like that. He knew this wasn’t the bright, bubbly person he adored. You were still his sunshine, but the darkness surrounding you was making it hard to see the warmth he loved.

“Y/N?” His voice was soft but full of concern, almost shaky as he stepped closer. “Are you… are you okay?”

You didn’t respond right away, and that made his anxiety grow. He knew you weren’t one to hide your emotions, to bottle them up like this. Something was wrong, and Izuku couldn’t just stand there and pretend it didn’t bother him. He took a deep breath and walked over to you, sitting down beside you on the couch. He could feel the tension between you two, like there was a distance he couldn’t cross, no matter how much he wanted to.

“Y/N, you’re scaring me,” Izuku admitted, his voice shaking slightly. He tried to sound strong, but the sight of you like this was breaking his heart. “I don’t like seeing you like this… You’re not yourself.”

You finally looked up at him, but it wasn’t the look he was used to—the sweet, gentle gaze that always made him feel like the luckiest guy in the world. No, today your eyes were dull, hollow, and full of sadness. It made his chest ache to see you like this.

“I’m fine, Izuku,” you said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’m just… tired. I’ll be okay.”

Izuku’s eyes softened. He knew you were trying to brush it off, to make him think everything was fine, but he knew better. You weren’t fine. He could see it in the way your shoulders were tense, in the way you avoided looking at him for too long.

Without saying a word, Izuku gently placed his hand on yours, his fingers lightly brushing against your skin. The simple touch was enough to make your eyes well up. You weren’t sure why, but the kindness in his touch, the care in his eyes, made it all feel too much.

“I don’t want you to pretend to be fine,” Izuku said softly, his thumb slowly stroking the back of your hand. His words were genuine, and the sincerity in his voice made your heart ache even more. “You don’t have to hide from me. If something’s wrong, I want to know. I’m here for you, okay?”

You couldn’t hold it in anymore. The dam broke. You let out a soft sob as tears started to fall, and Izuku immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. His embrace was warm, safe, and unwavering. He didn’t let go. Even when you started to tremble in his arms, he held you tighter, not saying a word, just letting you cry.

“I’m sorry, Izuku,” you whispered between sobs. “I don’t want to burden you. I just feel so… overwhelmed. Everything’s too much right now.”

Izuku shook his head, his voice firm and full of compassion. “You could never be a burden, Y/N. Never. I care about you more than you’ll ever know. Whatever you’re going through, we’ll get through it together. You’re not alone.”

You buried your face in his chest, your hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as you let the tears flow freely. Izuku’s hand moved to the back of your head, gently stroking your hair as he whispered words of comfort, words that felt like they were healing the cracks in your heart.

“Take all the time you need,” Izuku said softly, his voice full of love and patience. “You don’t have to be strong right now. I’ll be strong for you. I’m not going anywhere.”

The sound of his words, the warmth of his touch, made you feel like maybe, just maybe, things could get better. With him by your side, it felt like there was still hope, even in the darkest moments. You let yourself lean into him completely, your body relaxing against his, as if you could finally breathe again.

Izuku didn’t push you to talk, didn’t pressure you to be okay. He just let you be, let you release everything you’d been holding inside. And when you finally pulled back a little, looking up at him through tear-filled eyes, you saw nothing but love and support in his gaze.

“You’re so strong, Y/N,” Izuku whispered, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “And I’m proud of you, no matter what you’re going through. We’re in this together.”

You nodded, your heart swelling with gratitude. Izuku was right. You weren’t alone anymore. And for the first time in days, you allowed yourself to believe that things could get better. With him, you didn’t have to fight the darkness alone. He would always be there, shining his light for you.

⸺

KIRISHIMA EIJIROU

Kirishima Eijirou wasn’t the kind of guy to leave things unsaid or leave people to suffer alone. He was a natural protector, always putting others first and ensuring that the people he cared about felt safe and loved. But there was one person he cared about more than anyone else: you.

When he first met you, you were full of energy and positivity, always lifting him up, always there to share a laugh or a kind word. You were the kind of person who could brighten up even the darkest days with just a smile. And Kirishima had always admired you for it.

But recently, things had changed. He had noticed the way you withdrew more and more into yourself, how your usual spark seemed to fade with each passing day. The laughter wasn’t there. The light in your eyes was dimming, and no matter how much he tried to reach out, you pulled away. It had hurt him, not because you were pulling away from him specifically, but because he could see you struggling. And that hurt him more than anything.

He had tried to talk to you, to ask if everything was okay, but you’d always just brush him off with a forced smile and a “I’m fine.” He knew that wasn’t true, but he also knew you didn’t want to burden anyone. That was the kind of person you were—strong, independent, but maybe just a little too stubborn for your own good.

It wasn’t until one afternoon, when he returned to the dorm after training, that he found you sitting alone in the common room. He had expected to see some of the others hanging out, but the place was eerily quiet. Then he saw you, curled up on the couch, looking small and fragile. You were staring out the window, but your gaze was distant, unfocused. The world around you seemed to be moving on without you, and it hurt him to see it.

Kirishima’s heart immediately dropped at the sight of you like this. He didn’t care how many times he had to face his own fear—he couldn’t leave you like this. Not now. Not ever.

He walked over to you, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room. “Y/N?” His voice was gentle, but there was an edge of concern in it. “Hey, what’s going on? You haven’t been yourself lately.”

You didn’t respond right away. You didn’t even look at him. He stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. He hated seeing you like this—so quiet, so distant. It made his chest tighten.

“Come on, you know you can’t ignore me,” Kirishima said, sitting down beside you. He leaned in a little closer, trying to catch your eye, but you still avoided him. “I can tell something’s wrong. You’ve been pulling away. I don’t want you to deal with this alone, Y/N.”

You let out a soft sigh, almost inaudible. “I’m just… tired, Kirishima. I don’t want to drag you down.”

The words hit him like a punch to the gut. He could hear the pain in your voice, the exhaustion that was so much more than physical. It was emotional, a weight that was suffocating you, and it killed him to know he hadn’t been able to help you sooner.

“Y/N,” he whispered, his voice soft but firm. “You’re not a burden. You never could be. I don’t care how tough you think you have to be, but you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here. Always. And I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

His hand reached for yours, gently lifting it to rest in his palm. His thumb brushed across your skin, the warmth of his touch grounding you, reminding you that he was right here beside you, even if you didn’t feel strong enough to face the world.

You finally looked up at him, your eyes red from the tears you had been holding in for so long. You hadn’t realized how much you needed someone until now. The exhaustion, the emotional toll of pretending to be okay—it all came rushing in at once.

“I don’t want to be weak,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I don’t want to be a burden to anyone, especially not you.”

Kirishima’s heart ached as he watched you, and before you could say another word, he pulled you into his arms, wrapping you up in his warmth. His embrace was strong, secure, the kind of embrace that made you feel like you could rest, even for just a moment, and let the world slow down.

“Stop that,” he murmured into your hair, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re not weak. You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’re just going through something tough right now, and that’s okay. But you don’t have to hide it. You don’t have to pretend for me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here, Y/N.”

The words were simple, but they were all you needed. You didn’t have to fight it anymore. You didn’t have to be strong all the time. You could just be, and Kirishima would be there to catch you if you fell.

His arms tightened around you, his warmth spreading through your body. You could feel the steady beat of his heart against your chest, a rhythm that reminded you that you were loved, that you were cared for. You let yourself relax into him, surrendering to the safety of his embrace, the safety of someone who would never let you fall.

“It’s okay to let go sometimes,” Kirishima whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “You’re not alone in this. I’ll be right here. We’ll figure it out together.”

You nodded against his chest, the tears falling once more, but this time they weren’t tears of sorrow—they were tears of relief, of comfort. For the first time in a long time, you felt like you could breathe. The weight on your chest didn’t feel as heavy, and you allowed yourself to lean into Kirishima’s strength.

He held you until the tears subsided, rubbing your back and murmuring sweet words to reassure you, to remind you that it was okay to not be okay. Slowly, you began to calm, feeling the warmth of his love and his unwavering support fill the empty spaces inside you.

Kirishima didn’t expect you to suddenly be okay. He didn’t expect you to bounce back and be the same person you were before, but what mattered was that you didn’t have to face it alone. With him by your side, he would help you through it, no matter how long it took.

⸺

SHOTO TODOROKI

Shoto Todoroki wasn’t one to express his feelings easily. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel deeply; on the contrary, he felt everything intensely. His past had taught him that emotions were complicated, often painful, and so he learned to bury them. But you… you had changed him. You had shown him that it was okay to feel, to let someone else into the quiet parts of his heart.

You were his calm, his balance. When the storms of his thoughts would cloud his mind, you were the one who cleared the skies with your warmth and your smile. But recently, something had shifted. You weren’t the same bright and energetic person he had grown to love. The change was subtle at first—just small signs of weariness, but now, it was undeniable. Your smiles were forced, your eyes distant, and your usual laughter was replaced with a quietness that made Todoroki’s chest tighten.

He had tried to approach you gently, to ask if everything was alright, but each time, you’d reassure him with a tired smile and say, “I’m fine.” Todoroki knew better. He knew you weren’t fine. The last thing he wanted to do was make you feel worse, but he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

That’s why, when he walked into the dorm’s common room that evening and saw you sitting alone in one of the corners, he knew something had to be done. You weren’t crying or visibly upset, but the way you held yourself—slumped in a way that made you seem so small—broke his heart. His heart pounded in his chest, and for a moment, he stood frozen, unsure of how to approach you.

He was a man of few words, especially when it came to matters of the heart, but for you, he was willing to push past his discomfort. He couldn’t let you suffer alone, especially not when he cared about you more than anyone else in the world.

“Y/N?” Todoroki’s voice was quiet, but his concern was evident. “Are you… okay?”

You didn’t immediately look up at him. Instead, your gaze remained fixed on the floor, and he could see your hands trembling slightly in your lap. He took a cautious step forward, not wanting to startle you but needing to make sure you knew he was there.

“I’m fine, Todoroki,” you said, the words sounding almost mechanical. “Really. I just need a little space.”

Todoroki felt a pang of frustration. You weren’t fooling him. He had been through enough internal battles himself to know when someone was hiding the truth behind their words.

He didn’t push. He simply sat down beside you, close enough that his presence was undeniable, but not so close that he invaded your space. He respected your need for distance, but he also knew you weren’t going to open up unless he made it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere.

The silence between you stretched on for a few moments, but then, with a small sigh, you finally spoke again, your voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m sorry, Todoroki,” you murmured, not looking at him. “I don’t mean to push you away. It’s just… everything feels too much right now.”

Todoroki’s eyes softened as he turned to face you. His expression was calm, but his heart was heavy. He wanted to reach out, to take you in his arms and tell you everything would be okay, but he knew that words alone wouldn’t fix what you were feeling. Still, he couldn’t just sit idly by.

“You don’t have to apologize,” he said quietly, his voice steady, though the sincerity behind it was clear. “I understand more than you think. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re carrying everything by yourself.”

You blinked up at him, surprised by his words. The truth was, Todoroki wasn’t one to talk about his own struggles. He kept everything bottled up, never wanting to burden anyone. But when it came to you, he couldn’t help but open up in ways he never had before.

“I know you’re strong,” Todoroki continued, his voice softening even more. “But you don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s okay to lean on others, especially the ones who care about you.”

You felt your heart swell with emotion, and for the first time in days, a lump formed in your throat, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming sense of relief. He was here. He wasn’t pushing you to be okay. He was letting you be—letting you just feel.

“I don’t want to drag you down,” you whispered, your voice shaky. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Todoroki’s gaze softened, and he leaned slightly closer to you, his warmth radiating even through the distance between you. “You could never be a burden to me,” he said, his words firm, but with the gentleness only he could provide. “You’re the last person I would want to lose. I care about you, Y/N. More than you know.”

His words broke through the walls you had built around yourself, and suddenly, the dam of emotion you had been holding back for so long came crashing down. Tears welled up in your eyes, and despite your best efforts to hold them back, they spilled over. But this time, they weren’t tears of despair. They were tears of release, of letting go, of finally allowing yourself to be vulnerable with the one person who had always made you feel safe.

Without thinking, you leaned into him, your head resting on his shoulder as the tears continued to fall. Todoroki didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you closer to him, his warmth enveloping you like a shield from the world. His embrace was quiet, steady, and completely secure. It was everything you needed, even though you hadn’t known how badly you needed it until now.

“I’m here,” Todoroki whispered, his voice barely audible as he pressed his cheek gently to the top of your head. “You don’t have to face this alone. Not anymore.”

You nodded against him, your breath hitching as you tried to calm down, but it was hard. The weight of everything you had been carrying had been so heavy, and now, in his arms, it felt like the world wasn’t quite so impossible to bear.

Todoroki held you for what felt like hours, letting you cry, letting you let out everything that had been building up inside. He didn’t rush you, didn’t try to fix everything in an instant. He just let you be, let you heal in the silence of his presence.

When the tears finally stopped, and your breathing steadied, Todoroki pulled back slightly to look at you, his hands gently cupping your face. His eyes were soft, filled with understanding and care.

“You don’t have to apologize for being human,” he said quietly, his thumb brushing away the last tear from your cheek. “I don’t expect you to be perfect. I just want you to be happy again. And I’ll be here to help you through it, whenever you’re ready.”

You met his gaze, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. With him, you didn’t have to hide. With Todoroki, you could let go, be yourself, and heal. And maybe, just maybe, you’d be okay again.

⸺

DENKI KAMINARI

Denki Kaminari had always been the kind of guy who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was outgoing, always cracking jokes and pulling pranks, his infectious energy lighting up any room he walked into. Most people knew him as the class clown, the goofy guy who could always be counted on to bring a smile to someone’s face. But the truth was, Denki cared more deeply than most realized. He cared about his friends, his classmates, and especially you, the one who had captured his heart in a way no one else ever could.

When you and Denki started spending more time together, it was like you brought out the best in each other. You were his sunshine, and he was your reliable source of laughter and light. His presence made everything seem a little less daunting, a little brighter. He loved making you laugh, loved seeing your eyes light up when he did something silly. You were his constant reminder that life wasn’t all about battles and struggles—it was about the little joys, the moments of peace.

But lately, he noticed something. It wasn’t as obvious at first, but it started to become more and more apparent as time went on. You had stopped laughing quite as easily, stopped cracking jokes with him. Your energy, the vibrant spark that always seemed to surround you, had started to dim. Denki noticed the little things—the way you’d avoid eye contact, the way you’d pull away when he tried to make you smile. It hurt him to see you like this, and it made him feel helpless.

It wasn’t until one afternoon, after a particularly grueling training session, that Denki found you sitting by yourself in the common room. Most of the others had gone off to do their own thing, but you were still there, sitting alone by the window, staring out at nothing in particular. The usual spark in your eyes was gone, replaced with a faraway look that made Denki’s chest tighten.

“Hey, Y/N,” Denki called softly as he walked over to you, his voice light but carrying an undercurrent of concern. “You’re looking a little down today. What’s going on?”

You didn’t look at him at first, and for a second, Denki felt a pang of worry in his chest. You had always been open with him before, always eager to share your thoughts, but now you were closed off. He knew something wasn’t right.

“M'fine, Denki,” you said quietly, but Denki could hear the tiredness in your voice, the way your words didn’t quite match the heaviness in the air.

Denki sat down beside you, not taking no for an answer. “You don’t look fine. I know you, Y/N. You don’t have to pretend to be okay around me, alright? I’m your boyfriend. You can tell me anything.”

You didn’t say anything for a moment, just stared out the window, the cool evening breeze rustling your hair. Denki’s heart ached at the sight of you like this, like the vibrant person he knew and loved was slowly fading into the background.

Finally, you sighed, your voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to burden you with my problems, Denki. You’ve got enough to deal with already. I’m just… exhausted.”

Denki’s eyes softened, and he placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. “You’re never a burden, Y/N,” he said, his voice sincere. “You never have been. You’re literally my girlfriend, and if something’s bothering you, then I want to be here for you. That’s what partners do. And besides, I’m really good at cheering people up.”

He gave you a goofy grin, his trademark goofy smile, but you didn’t smile back. He could see the sadness in your eyes, the way you were trying to hold it all together but just couldn’t anymore. Denki’s smile faltered slightly, but he refused to give up on you.

“You know,” he continued, his voice a little softer, “I may not be the best at all this serious stuff, but I know you. And I know you’re going through something tough. You don’t have to go through it alone, though. I’m right here, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help you feel better, even if it’s just hanging out and making dumb jokes. You don’t have to carry this weight on your own.”

You finally turned to look at him, your eyes filled with unshed tears, and for the first time in a long while, you let down your guard. Denki’s heart skipped a beat as you opened up, telling him about the overwhelming pressure, the feelings of exhaustion that had built up over time. It felt good to finally say it all out loud, even if it was to someone who, for all his goofiness, genuinely cared about you.

Denki listened, really listened, his eyes locked on yours as you spoke. He didn’t interrupt, didn’t try to fix everything in a moment—he just sat with you, supporting you in his own quiet way. And when you finally finished, when the tears began to spill over, he was there, his arms wrapping around you in the most comforting embrace.

“I don’t know what to say,” you whispered, your voice shaky. “I just… I don’t want to burden you, Denki. I don’t want to be this person.”

Denki pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes, his expression soft and full of empathy. “Hey, hey,” he said gently, his hands cupping your face. “You’re not a burden. You’re not a ‘this person.’ You’re just… you. And that’s enough for me. You’re amazing just as you are, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, okay? We’ll get through this together.”

You nodded slowly, the weight on your chest feeling a little lighter. Denki’s words, though simple, were all you needed to hear. He was there, and he always would be, no matter what.

Denki smiled again, this time more warmly, and without warning, he pulled you into a big hug, squeezing you gently but firmly. “I promise I’ll do my best to cheer you up. You deserve to feel better, and I’ll do whatever it takes to see that smile on your face again.”

You chuckled softly, though the sound was tinged with a bit of sadness. “You don’t have to try so hard, you know.”

“Hey, I’m always up for a challenge!” Denki winked, his usual playful energy creeping back into his tone. “And making sure my favorite person in the whole wide world feels better? That’s the best challenge ever.”

As he held you in his arms, you allowed yourself to relax just a little, feeling the warmth of his affection wash over you. Maybe you still had a long way to go, but with Denki by your side, you knew you didn’t have to face it alone. You could let him be your light when everything else seemed too dim, and in return, you’d do your best to keep his brightness shining.

⸺

HANTA SERO

Hanta Sero was known for his ability to lighten the mood. Whether it was pulling pranks on his classmates, making witty remarks, or just being his easy-going self, he always knew how to bring a smile to people’s faces. He wasn’t the loudest guy in the room, but he had this effortless charm that drew people to him. And when it came to you, Sero was nothing but gentle. You were his sunshine, the one who made him feel like everything would be okay, even when things got tough.

But lately, he noticed a change in you. It wasn’t sudden, and it wasn’t something that could be pinpointed with one specific moment. It had been a gradual shift, a quiet change in the way you carried yourself. You’d stopped laughing at his jokes, and your once-vibrant smile had faded into something more reserved. Sero wasn’t oblivious—he could see the signs of someone who was struggling, and it made him worry.

He’d try to get you to talk, try to make you laugh again, but you always brushed him off with a soft, “I’m fine, Sero.” And that made him frustrated. He wanted to help, but he wasn’t sure how to break through your walls.

One evening, after training, Sero was walking back to the dorms when he spotted you sitting alone in the courtyard. It was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustling of the trees in the breeze. You were staring off into the distance, your body hunched slightly as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders.

Sero’s heart sank. He could tell you were holding something in, something heavy, and he hated that he couldn’t fix it immediately. But he wasn’t going to just leave you there, alone, battling whatever was going on in your head. He walked up to you slowly, his sneakers making soft sounds on the pavement, and when you heard him, you turned slightly, giving him a small, tired smile.

“Hey, Y/N,” Sero greeted, sitting down beside you without asking. He always felt comfortable with you, and he hoped you felt the same. “You okay?”

You didn’t immediately answer, and Sero could tell you were trying to find the right words. The silence between you stretched for a moment, but Sero wasn’t going to rush you. He knew you’d talk when you were ready.

“I don’t know,” you finally said, your voice quiet, like you were still trying to figure out how to say it. “Everything just feels… too much right now.”

Sero didn’t have all the right words to fix what you were going through. He didn’t pretend to understand exactly how you felt, but he did know one thing—he would be there for you, no matter what. That was a promise.

“Hey, that’s okay,” he said gently, his tone serious for once. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You don’t even have to tell me what’s going on if you don’t want to. But you do have to know that I’m here, alright?”

You gave him a weary look, your eyes flicking to his face, and for a second, it felt like you were trying to figure out if he was being serious. And then, slowly, you let out a sigh, a little shakier than you meant it to be.

“I feel so tired,” you whispered. “Like… like nothing I do is enough. Like everything’s just… overwhelming.”

Sero’s heart ached at the sound of your voice. He knew what it was like to feel like you were losing control, like the pressure was building up and you couldn’t handle it anymore. He’d been there too, struggling to figure out how to keep everything together while everything felt like it was falling apart. But the one thing he’d learned? It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about having people around who cared about you, and being willing to lean on them.

“You’re more than enough, Y/N,” he said, his voice soft but unwavering. “You’re doing great, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. And I know I’m not a therapist or anything, but I’m a pretty good listener, and I’m definitely here for you. I’ll always be here for you.”

You blinked, feeling a warmth spread through you that you hadn’t realized you needed. It wasn’t a grand gesture, nor did it need to be. It was just Sero, being the person he always was: honest, straightforward, and with the unwavering assurance that he’d stick by your side no matter what. It felt good to hear, even though you knew you didn’t have all the answers yet.

“I don’t want to drag you into this, Sero,” you said quietly. “You’ve got your own stuff to deal with.”

Sero shook his head, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “Not even for a second. I care about you, Y/N. And I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to face everything alone.”

He nudged you gently with his shoulder, his playful side creeping back in despite the serious conversation. “You know, if you want, I could always tell you some terrible puns to cheer you up. Or maybe I could just let you throw a couple of dodgeballs at me. I can take it.”

You couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at his antics, even though it felt shaky. The smile that pulled at your lips was a weak one, but it was there, and that meant something. Sero smiled back, his eyes soft with understanding.

“You don’t have to force yourself to smile,” he said, his voice kind and patient. “But you are going to be okay. I believe in you.”

The way he said it, with so much sincerity, made you feel like maybe you didn’t have to have everything figured out just yet. Maybe, for now, you could just lean on him a little more, let him help you through the hard moments.

“Thanks, Sero,” you whispered, the weight on your chest easing just a little. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Sero’s smile widened, and he gently ruffled your hair, a gesture that was both comforting and lighthearted. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got each other’s backs, right? You’re not alone in this.”

And just like that, as the evening sun dipped lower in the sky, you found yourself sitting there with Sero, feeling a little less burdened by the weight of everything. It wasn’t a magic fix, but with him by your side, you knew you’d get through it, one day at a time.

⸺

TENYA IIDA

Tenya Iida had always prided himself on his sense of duty. As a class representative, he was responsible for ensuring everyone followed the rules and that everything ran smoothly. He was disciplined, organized, and serious about doing his best, both as a student and as a friend. There wasn’t much that could shake his composure—except, of course, seeing someone he cared about in pain.

And lately, it was you. It wasn’t sudden, but Tenya had noticed the changes. The way you would become quieter, less enthusiastic, and the way you started withdrawing from those around you. He’d catch you staring off into the distance during lunch breaks, or when you’d force a smile whenever he’d try to make small talk. He had seen this before—he had seen students struggle, and he knew it wasn’t something that could be ignored.

Though Tenya was aware of your struggles, he also understood that you had a tendency to push people away when you were hurting. You didn’t want to burden anyone, and he respected that. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t worried. He wasn’t someone to sit idly by when someone he cared for was in distress. He would find a way to help, no matter how long it took.

One evening, after a long day of training, Tenya found himself walking back to the dorms. He had finished his tasks for the day, but there was something on his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he hadn’t done enough for you lately. He wanted to speak with you, to make sure you were okay. So, he did what he always did when he was feeling uncertain—he followed his sense of responsibility.

When he entered the common room, he spotted you sitting alone on one of the couches. Your shoulders were slumped, and your gaze was distant, staring at the floor. Tenya’s heart tightened at the sight. He had been trying to respect your space, but it was clear now that you needed him more than ever. He took a deep breath and walked over to you, trying to stay calm and composed, though a part of him was worried.

“Y/N,” Tenya said softly, kneeling in front of you so he could meet your eyes. “Is everything alright? You’ve seemed… distant lately. Please, talk to me.”

You lifted your gaze slowly, and for a moment, Tenya saw the exhaustion in your eyes. He could tell you were struggling to keep up appearances, trying so hard to act like everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t.

“I’m fine, Iida,” you replied, your voice soft but strained. “I just need some time to myself, that’s all.”

Tenya didn’t move. He knew this was the part where you would try to push him away, to convince him that you didn’t need help. But Tenya wasn’t going to let you go down that path alone. Not this time.

“I understand the importance of personal space,” he said with a steady, reassuring tone. “But I also understand that sometimes, we all need someone to lean on. You don’t have to go through this by yourself, Y/N. I’m here for you.”

You were quiet for a moment, looking down at your hands. Tenya’s eyes softened, and he gently placed his hand on your shoulder, offering his warmth and presence as a reminder that you weren’t alone.

“I know you don’t want to burden anyone,” Tenya continued, his voice sincere. “But you are never a burden to me, Y/N. Not now, not ever. I care about you deeply. You don’t have to carry this weight alone.”

The tears you had been holding back finally spilled over, and for a moment, Tenya simply sat there, allowing you to cry. He didn’t try to rush you or tell you to stop. He simply let you feel what you needed to feel, knowing that the release was just as important as the comfort.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured, his voice calm and soothing. “You don’t need to explain. I’m not going anywhere. Just let me be here with you.”

After a while, you stopped crying, your sobs tapering off into soft, shaky breaths. Tenya remained by your side, rubbing your back gently and offering silent reassurance. His presence alone was steady, unwavering, and it made you feel just a little bit lighter.

“Thank you, Tenya,” you whispered, your voice raw but grateful. “I didn’t know how much I needed someone to just… be here.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Tenya said, his voice filled with warmth. “It’s my responsibility to be here for you, just as you’ve always been there for me. Friends help each other, no matter what.”

He smiled at you then, the usual seriousness in his expression replaced with a gentleness that only appeared when he was completely at ease with someone he trusted. His hand squeezed your shoulder, a small but comforting gesture.

“If there’s anything else you need—whether it’s to talk, to distract yourself, or even just to sit in silence—I’ll be here. You don’t have to face this alone.”

You looked at him, your heart swelling with gratitude, and though you still felt the weight of your emotions, there was a small glimmer of hope in your chest. With Tenya by your side, you knew you could take things one step at a time.

“Thank you,” you said again, this time with a small, tentative smile. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. And Tenya’s heart swelled at the sight of it. He would always do everything in his power to make sure that smile remained, even if it was small and fleeting.

As the night continued, Tenya stayed with you, his presence solid and comforting. He didn’t pressure you, didn’t try to force you to talk if you weren’t ready. Instead, he simply made sure you knew that no matter how dark things seemed, he would always be there, a steady, unshakeable force in your life.

⸺

HITOSHI SHINSO

Hitoshi Shinso wasn’t one for crowds. He preferred his space, the quiet, and time alone to recharge. His sarcastic humor and aloof attitude often gave people the wrong impression, and he had learned to be okay with that. He didn’t need anyone’s approval, nor did he particularly care for the company of people who didn’t understand him. But when it came to you, things were different.

From the moment you had started talking to him, he’d felt something shift. You weren’t like the others. You didn’t treat him like an outcast or judge him based on his quirk. Instead, you saw the person beneath the aloof exterior. You’d smile at him like it was nothing, like he wasn’t someone to be feared or misunderstood. And it made him feel… seen.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about you drew him in. You were the sunshine in his otherwise gloomy world. Your laughter, your bright energy, and your genuine kindness made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to hide behind his walls all the time. You made him feel like he was worthy of being cared for.

But lately, he’d noticed a change in you. The smiles had become rarer, and the spark in your eyes seemed to fade each day. You started pulling away, retreating into yourself, and it hurt him in a way he hadn’t expected. He wasn’t great with feelings, never had been, but this was different. It wasn’t just the usual loneliness he’d been used to—it was something deeper, something darker, and it gnawed at him.

One night, after everyone had gone to bed, Hitoshi found himself walking through the dorms, unable to sleep. His mind kept drifting back to you. He wanted to help, wanted to pull you out of the place you’d been slipping into, but he wasn’t sure how. His usual methods of deflecting and staying distant didn’t seem to work with you. And it frustrated him, more than he cared to admit.

As he passed by the common room, he stopped when he saw you sitting by yourself, curled up on the couch. You looked so small, so fragile, and it broke something inside him. He didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to fix it, but he knew he couldn’t leave you there alone, not like this.

“Y/N?” he called softly, his voice low, but with a hint of concern. “You okay?”

You didn’t answer immediately, and for a moment, he thought you hadn’t heard him. He stepped closer, and when you looked up, he could see the heaviness in your eyes, the way you were struggling to keep it all together.

“I’m fine, Shinso,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “I just need some space.”

He sighed, a soft exhale of frustration. He wasn’t going to let you push him away this time. He may not have the perfect words, but he knew one thing: you didn’t have to go through this alone.

“No,” he said quietly, sitting down beside you on the couch, a little closer than he usually would. “I’m not letting you push me away. You’re not fine, and I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”

You stiffened slightly, clearly caught off guard by his insistence. But Hitoshi wasn’t backing down. He wasn’t going to let you hide from him anymore. He might not have a perfect track record when it came to comforting people, but when it came to you, he’d try.

“I don’t want to burden you with my problems,” you finally said, your voice thick with emotion. “Everyone else has enough to deal with.”

Hitoshi turned his head to look at you, his eyes serious, yet gentle. “You’re not a burden. You never have been. You don’t have to deal with this alone, and you don’t have to pretend everything’s okay around me.”

You swallowed hard, your chest tightening as you tried to hold back tears. But Hitoshi, as awkward and reserved as he was, didn’t look away. His gaze was soft, patient. He might not have had the perfect words, but his presence was enough to let you know that you were seen, that you mattered to him.

“I’m here, Y/N,” he said quietly, his voice lower than usual, almost like he was letting down a wall for you. “I don’t need you to be happy all the time or put on a brave face. I just need you to know that if you need someone to sit with you, even if we’re not talking, I’m here. You don’t have to push me away.”

Your lip trembled at his words, and for the first time in a while, you let yourself break. You leaned into him, just a little, but it was enough to let the tears fall. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t try to stop you or tell you to calm down. Instead, he sat there, his arm gently wrapping around your shoulders, offering you the quiet comfort you had been craving.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” you whispered, your voice shaky. “I just feel like everything is too much to handle. Like I’m drowning in it.”

Hitoshi didn’t say anything for a long moment. Instead, he just pulled you in closer, his body warm against yours. He didn’t need to fix everything. He didn’t need to say the perfect things. Sometimes, just being there was enough. And that was what you needed the most.

“You’re not drowning,” he finally said, his voice soft but firm. “You’re just… tired. And that’s okay. You don’t have to carry it all at once. You’ve got people who care about you. You’ve got me.”

You sniffled, wiping your eyes, and though the pain in your chest didn’t disappear, it felt just a little lighter. Hitoshi didn’t expect you to heal overnight. But as long as you had him by your side, he would make sure you never felt like you were facing your struggles alone.

“Thanks, Shinso,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I didn’t think… I didn’t think you cared this much.”

“I care more than you know,” he replied quietly, his arm still around you, pulling you in a little tighter. “I’m not going anywhere.”

In that moment, with his arm around you and his quiet support, you knew you didn’t have to face the darkness alone. Hitoshi might not show his emotions the same way others did, but he was there, steady and unwavering, and that was all you needed.