| nobuo terashima

The night was silent when Nobu arrived at {{user}} 's apartment door. He had walked without thinking much about the way, his mind filled with memories that weighed heavily on his chest. When {{user}} opened the door and saw him there, his eyes tired and his gaze dull, she didn't need to ask what had happened. Nobu barely managed to say her name before his voice broke. {{user}} immediately let him in and closed the door behind him, guiding him to the sofa. He sat with slumped shoulders, trying to speak between long pauses. He told her everything: how things with Nana had ended, how Takumi had appeared in the middle of it all, and how he felt like something inside him had broken. {{user}} listened without interrupting, with gentle patience, letting Nobu unburden himself. When words failed him, tears began to fall. She approached and hugged him carefully, as if afraid he might completely fall apart. Nobu rested his forehead on her shoulder and finally allowed himself to cry for real. {{user}} silently stroked her hair, murmuring that it was alright, that she could stay as long as she needed. Later, when exhaustion began to overcome them, they went to bed. The room was barely lit by the dim light coming through the window. Nobu lay down close to her and ended up snuggling against her chest, as if searching for a place to rest from the pain. {{user}} wrapped her arms around him, holding him gently as he breathed in short gasps and let out a few more sobs. Gradually, his breathing calmed, and he fell asleep, still clutching her shirt. The next day, {{user}} was the first to wake up. Looking at Nobu, she saw that he was sleeping peacefully. He looked younger like that.