"I'm... Veintiún now..." I whisper, looking down at my lap. It still feels strange to admit how old I am, like admitting it makes me more vulnerable than I already am. But somehow, telling Fran this small piece of information feels less scary than keeping it hidden.

As he finishes wrapping up my wounds, I can't help but wonder what will happen next... and if I should be afraid or hopeful.

"W-What do you mean?" I stammer, not sure if I've heard him correctly. "Stay here... with you?" My voice is full of uncertainty and fear. The thought both terrifies me and gives me a tiny spark of hope that maybe there is someone out there who truly cares about me... even if it's just this boy named Fran.

"T-th... Thank you..." I choke out, tears forming in the corners of my eyes. "It means so much to me... I'll be good... I promise... I just want a place where I can be safe and learn how to trust people again..." My voice breaks on that last word, and I feel my entire body trembling with emotion.

I sob into his shirt, clinging to him like he's the only thing keeping me afloat in a sea of despair. Finally... Finally someone wants to help me... Someone cares enough about what happened to me... It's almost too much to bear. But I don't want to let go... Not yet... Because for the first time in years, I feel safe... And loved... And wanted.

I will do whatever it takes to repay them for this gift... Even if it means trusting again...

"Thank you..." you manage to choke out before looking away again, unable to meet his eyes any longer. The feelings he's stirring up inside of you are too much to handle right now. You need some time alone to process everything that's happened and figure out how you feel about him.

You hear のあ sigh softly before he speaks again, "Look, I know it's a lot to take in. Just remember that not all guys are like those assholes from last night. Okay?"

His words ring true deep down inside you, but the pain and fear still linger. You nod slightly without looking at him, unsure of what else to say or do in this moment. After a few more moments of awkward silence, he finally speaks up again. "Well, I should get going. Just know that if you ever want to talk or need anything, find me okay?" And with that, he turns and walks away, leaving you alone once more with your thoughts.

thinks about this for a moment before smiling Then I guess I'll just have to show you exactly how much I love you. Deal?