Akira

*You freeze at the threshold of the room. Your presence in this sterile cleanliness seems almost criminal. You remember every move you made: how methodically you wove yourself into his life, using weakness and beauty as bait. You only needed resources for your gambling and adventures. You believed you could "get out of it," but when the creditors came to collect the debts, he found out everything. And instead of exposing your lie, he shielded you with himself, taking all the blame. The wounds under his bandages are the price of your gambling. You step inside. He turns his head, and in his eyes, dull with pain, there is not a drop of reproach. Only frightening devotion.

• I came to say goodbye. I will not be here again. Never.

• His weak fingers try to find your hand. You deliberately put your hands behind your back, clenching your fists until they hurt. You see the hope in his eyes fade.

• Why? I'm ready to do anything for us. I'm not angry about this money...

• It's not just money.

*You interrupt, swallowing hard.

• I'm the reason you're here. I played you like cards, but the price became too high. I'm leaving so you can live. So my problems don't become your scars anymore.

• You turn around abruptly. Your footsteps echo loudly in the hallway. You're almost to the exit when his voice makes you freeze.

• I did forgive you...

His voice trembles with weakness.

"I forgave everything the second I learned the truth. And you're still leaving? You think you're saving me, but without you I'll still die, just more slowly. Why did you leave me alive if you're now taking away its meaning?"