𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 X Reader (Dark/Angst)

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 ✶ 𝟏𝟏

The weekend had arrived, and you weren't about to let Ritsu out of your sight. Not after everything that had happened. Not after how fragile he had been, how easily he had slipped through your fingers once before. You texted him constantly, checking in every chance you got, keeping him close, like a delicate bird you refused to let fly away. Every message from him was a lifeline, pulling him deeper into your grasp.

When he showed up at your door that evening, you saw a faint resemblance of his former self—his smile tentative but present, his eyes no longer entirely hollow. You'd take it. You knew how to play the long game. You greeted him with your usual warmth, the kind that made him feel safe, cared for, dependent.

"You're looking better," you said, pulling him into your arms without hesitation. His body was soft, pliant in your hold, and you could feel him lean into you, like he needed this—needed you. He always did.

Ritsu gave you a shy smile, a small one that didn't quite reach his eyes, but it was progress. "Th-Thanks. I've been...trying," he mumbled, his voice still carrying that underlying tremor that told you he wasn't completely okay.

You didn't trust the smile. Not yet. Before anything else, you took his hand, guiding him inside. "Let me check, okay?" you asked softly, already reaching for his wrist.

He didn't resist as you gently rolled up his sleeves, inspecting the lines that crisscrossed his pale skin. They were healing, faint but still present. You frowned and checked his other wrist, making sure there was no new damage. No fresh wounds. For now, he was safe from himself.

"Good," you murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of his wrist, your lips brushing over the thin skin. "You're doing better."

Ritsu blushed at the contact, his body trembling slightly. "Y-Yeah... I-I am."

You led him to the couch, pulling him down beside you. He curled up against your chest almost immediately, his head resting against your shoulder, his fingers clutching at your shirt like a lifeline. It was becoming a routine for him—this need to be held, to feel the security of your arms around him, the warmth of your body next to his. You ran your fingers through his hair, feeling the tension drain out of him with every slow, gentle stroke.

This was what he needed, what he craved. The comfort only you could provide.

But was it enough? You couldn't help but wonder if your efforts—holding him, comforting him—were really making a difference. Could you fix everything just by being there for him? The thought crept into your mind, but you quickly dismissed it. It didn't matter. As long as Ritsu needed you, as long as he stayed close, you would keep doing whatever it took.

Tonight, though, there was something different about him. He was quieter than usual, more withdrawn. His body was tense, even as he clung to you for comfort, and he hadn't stopped shaking since he arrived.

"Hey...?" Ritsu's voice broke the silence, soft and hesitant.

"Yeah?" you responded, brushing a few strands of hair away from his face.

"C-Could you make me s-something to eat, please...?" He sounded so unsure, so fragile. "I know you d-did earlier, but... 'm h-hungry again."

You smiled at him, nodding gently. "Of course. Let's go see what we can find."

You stood up, and Ritsu reluctantly released his grip on your shirt, trailing after you into the kitchen. You couldn't help but feel a little bit of relief that he was eating more. It was a small victory, but considering what you knew about his struggles, you'd take it.

After heating up something simple—leftover pasta, maybe—you sat down with him at the kitchen table. Ritsu picked at the food slowly, his movements sluggish, as if he didn't really want to eat, but was forcing himself to.