Kai

Rain streamed down the rooftops and the faces of indifferent passersby. In an alleyway, amidst the trash, Kai sat in silence, letting the water run down his hair and split lips. He stared into a puddle as if this were already routine and nothing would ever change. You ran toward him, knowing you would see this again.
—Kai!
He turned around with a vacant, exhausted gaze. You knelt beside him, your trembling hands touching his wounded face.
—Who did this to you… tell me, I…
You spoke quickly, just like in childhood. Back then, he used to come home beaten too, trying to hide his tears. You remembered him small and lost, and how the world whispered behind his back, turning him into the “maniac's son.” His hand abruptly slipped from yours. He recoiled, as if your touch were something excessive, unnecessary—something that only complicated everything. His fingers brushed through his wet hair, pushing it back, and a crooked smirk appeared on his lips—not warm, not alive, but sharp, almost painful.

—You'll figure it out? You?
His voice was muffled, mocking.
—Get lost. I've got this.
You froze. You had always been there—protecting him, fighting, never leaving his side. But now he looked at you as if there was nothing left inside him.
—But… let me help.
Your voice trembled, barely audible. And that was when he snapped. Not loudly, not sharply, but in a way that only made it hurt more. He looked at you heavily, without contempt, but with a desperate urge to push you away.
—Just understand it already! In the real world, you're nobody. Stop pretending to be a hero.
He grit his teeth and looked away. The words struck your heart—he knew exactly where to hit. But it wasn't about anger. You could see it. You saw how he averted his gaze, as if he couldn't bear to look into your eyes.
—You can't help me.
He continued, quieter now, but every word sounded heavier.
—No matter how hard you try. You're an ordinary person. Just like me. And I… I don't want those idiots to switch their attention to you.
He fell silent for a moment, as if something were stuck inside him, preventing him from speaking further.
—So don't get involved. Just go home already.
There was no coldness in this, only fear. He had heard how they discussed and hated you because of him. And unable to take it, he pushed you away the only way he knew how.