OUTRUN THE TRUTH {OMORI AU} (OLD)

A Moment Of Weakness

A/N: This chapter is going to be in Kel's POV and then afterwards it'll be back to Basil's.

KEL pushed his plate away, having lost his appetite after the encounter with the principal. He had no interest in engaging in small talk or pretending everything was fine. He felt betrayed by SUNNY's actions and was frustrated with the whole situation.

Excusing himself from the table, KEL muttered a quick thanks to SUNNY's parents and headed towards the living room. He knew he needed some time alone to process his emotions and gather his thoughts.

Sitting on the couch, KEL leaned back, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He could feel the exhaustion seeping into his bones, both physically and emotionally. It had been a long day, and the weight of everything was starting to take its toll on him.

As he sat there in silence, KEL couldn't help but replay the events of the day in his mind. He was tired of being caught up in the drama between SUNNY and BASIL. He had always been there for them, acting as a mediator and providing support, but it seemed like they were constantly at odds.

KEL sat on the couch and opened his eyes, letting his gaze wander around the room. His attention was drawn to BASIL, who was still sitting at the dining table. KEL watched him intently, his keen eyes picking up on the subtle changes in his demeanor.

BASIL's expression was a mix of frustration and exhaustion, mirroring KEL's own feelings. He could see the weariness etched on his face, the tension in his shoulders. KEL knew that he had been through a lot recently, both physically and emotionally, and it weighed heavily on him.

Leaving his thoughts behind, he stood up from the couch and quietly made his way over to BASIL. He took a seat next to him, not saying a word but letting his presence serve as a silent invitation for BASIL to share if he wanted to.

BASIL glanced at him, his expression a mix of wariness and uncertainty. It was as if he didn't quite know how to respond to KEL's presence. KEL understood. After all, trust was hard to come by for someone like BASIL, someone who had experienced betrayal and disappointment all too often.

With a gentle voice, KEL spoke, breaking the silence that enveloped them. 'I'm...sorry for comparing you to HERO, you didn't...deserve that.', He pauses, looking for the right words, 'I felt...scared when I saw you on the ground, bleeding out. Sometimes... you remind me of HERO due to how reckless you are.'

BASIL's eyes averted from KEL, his gaze fixed on the tablecloth as thoughts and emotions battled within him. KEL could keenly perceive the inner turmoil, sensing the conflict between BASIL's pride and his dawning understanding that he had distanced himself from others as well.

After a long moment of silence, BASIL finally spoke, his voice laced with a mixture of hesitation and vulnerability. 'I... I appreciate the apology, KEL. It's just... I'm not used to... opening up. It's kinda hard for me, haha...'

KEL listened attentively to BASIL's words, his expression softening slightly. He understood the struggle of opening up and showing vulnerability all too well. In his own way, he had also built walls to protect himself from hurt and disappointment.