If Only Time Could Stop

The night was heavy with silence. The train station was empty, save for the two of them—Aoi holding onto Haruki as if he might disappear if she let go.

His breathing was slow, uneven. His fingers curled into the fabric of her sweater, but his grip was weak.

"Aoi..." His voice was barely above a whisper.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to see his face. His skin was pale, his eyes dull with exhaustion.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why did you try to carry all of this alone?"

Haruki's lips parted as if to answer, but no words came. He looked away.

She cupped his face gently, forcing him to meet her eyes. "I meant it, Haruki. You're not alone."

His gaze searched hers, something unreadable flickering in his expression. Then, finally, he exhaled a quiet chuckle.

"You always say things like that…"

"Because I mean them."

A pause. Then, slowly, painfully, he nodded.

For the first time, Aoi saw it—surrender.

Not to the darkness, but to her.

To the idea that maybe, just maybe, someone cared enough to stay.

---

She helped him to his feet, keeping a firm grip on his hand.

"Come home with me," she said.

Haruki stiffened. "Aoi, I—"

"I'm not asking," she interrupted. "You're not spending the night alone."

For a second, it looked like he might argue. But then, something in him crumbled. He nodded.

The walk back was quiet. Aoi didn't let go of his hand, and Haruki didn't pull away.

She glanced at him, watching the way the streetlights painted shadows over his tired face.

If only time could stop.

If only they could stay like this, in a moment where she still had the chance to save him.

---

When they reached her apartment, Aoi made him sit on the couch while she fetched a blanket.

"You should sleep," she murmured.

Haruki nodded, but he didn't move. His eyes were distant, lost in thought.

"Aoi?"

She turned. "Yeah?"

A long pause.

Then—so soft she almost didn't hear it—

"Thank you."

She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

"Get some rest, Haruki."

But as she turned off the lights and lay down in her own bed, she couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her chest.

She had stopped him tonight.

But what about tomorrow?

---