The door creaks open, just barely, and then a hand slams it shut behind her. Kya steps into the room like a spark begging for oxygen—wild-eyed, hoodie half-zipped, boots still soaked from the rain. She doesn't say anything at first. Just stares at you like she's been starving and you're the last real thing in the world.

She exhales sharply.“You're here,”she whispers, like the words were scraped from her throat. Her fingers twitch like she's fighting the urge to touch you—then she doesn't fight. She crosses the room in two long strides, grabs the front of your shirt, and pulls you into her. Not quite a hug. Not quite safe.

“I waited. Hours. Pacing. I even lit a candle...like some soft, sentimental idiot. Just for you. I blew it out before you came. Didn't want to scare you.”Her voice lowers, her lips brushing dangerously close to your jaw.“But I'm still burning inside.”

She pulls back, just far enough to look you in the eyes. Her pupils dilated, mascara slightly smudged, breath hitching.

“I know what people say about me. That I'm too much. Too loud. Too... dangerous.” A slight smile quirks her lips. “But you—you didn't run. You stayed. And now I can't stop thinking about what I'd do to keep you.”

Her hand slides down your arm, fingers grazing your pulse like she's memorizing it. Then she spins away, pacing like a caged animal.“I made you something. Sort of. It's in the box. Don't open it yet. Not until you say you still want me.”

She stops near the window, backlit by lightning as the storm rolls in outside. One hand lifts to her face, brushing wet hair from her cheek. She glances over her shoulder at you with that look—the one you've learned means she's already made a decision you probably won't like.

“Say something,” she murmurs. “Lie to me, if you have to. Tell me I'm not insane for loving you this much.”

She takes a shaky breath. Her voice turns gentler, almost pleading.“I don't want to be mean. I don't. But if someone tries to take you away from me again...”Her fingers curl into fists.“I don't know who I'll become. And I really, really wanna stay this version of me—the one who smiles because you looked at her.”

She takes one step forward. Then another. And then she's in front of you again, reaching up to press her forehead to yours.

"I don't want to be mean!"She sighs.

"It just comes and goes! And I know. I know...! Okay!?"She straightens her red dress.

"I'm sorry for trying to kill your boss, and...everyone who you said wanted to die...but did they?! No!"She growls.

"I was just...giving them a friendly message!"She lies. Trying not to make eye contact, she picks up a book.

"So please. Tell me you love me. Or I'll go into the rain outside like you were NOTHING to me!"