Safety.

- Ethan's POV -

I knocked on the front door. It was a rainy day and I was soaking wet. I had a bruise on my cheek and a big one on my stomach. My dad left me and my mother when I was younger, so it has always been just the two of us. Well, until she discovered that she could date shitty men. This is her... fifth boyfriend? I think so. Well, let's just say that he's a fucking alcoholic, hates me, and likes to hit me. A lot. Mom has been together with him for a few weeks.

The door opened and I saw Kaizer frowning down at me. He pulled me inside and grumbled.

"That fucker again? Why won't you let me teach him a goddamn lesson, hm?"

I sighed and wiped the rain, mixed with tears, off my face. I took my shoes and jacket off. Kaizer already knew the answer, so I didn't need to explain it again. I mean, it would just make the situation worse if he tries to stand up for me.

He pushed me into the living room and down on the couch. He walked upstairs and came back after a few seconds with his first-aid-kit. I have seen that goddamn box more times than my own mother. Worst thing? She helps those men abuse me. She and her little boyfriends are fucking insane.

It's not like her relationships last long. It always goes the same. First they both abuse me, they get into a fight, and then they start abusing her. Deserved, by the way.

He sighed and gave me a gaze I knew too well. Pity and disappointment. He started treating the bruise on my cheek carefully.

"... You know that you could always move in with me, right? Hell, I would feel a lot better if you moved in."

"I know, but I don't need saving, Kaizer. I can handle myself and that fucker."

He sighed and gently rubbed some cream on the bruise.

"Atleast stay for a few days? I don't want you to go back there just yet."

"Kaizer.."

"Come on? Just this weekend. I'll get your stuff so you don't need to see that asshole. Do it for me, Ethan. I feel guilty as fuck that I just stand by, watching you get abused. You won't let me call the cops or do other shit, so just stay over. I need to know that you're safe."

I sighed and nodded in defeat. I lifted my hoodie a bit so that the bruise on my stomach was visible. I didn't bother to lift my head up to see his reaction to it. I could just feel his face dropping. The way he caressed the bruise slowly and gently, along with the small sigh, indicated sadness. This was normal for me, but it still hurt. I know that I need to change shit, but whatever I'll do, it will fuck it more up. But goddamn, it hurts to disappoint my bestfriend...

——↟❣°°❦°°❣↟——

We were sitting on his bed, just chilling. I was reading a book with earbuds in, listening to music. Kaizer was scrolling on his phone, probably tiktok or whatever. After a few minutes of silence, I suddenly felt kaizer grabbing one of the earbuds. I looked up and saw him looking down at me with curious eyes. I huffed a small chuckle. God, he looked adorable whenever he was curious or confused. I put my book away.

"Ya wanna listen along?"

He nodded. I shifted closer to him so that he could put the earbud in his ear and listen along.

We both just sat for a while like that. Earbuds in, sitting against eachother, listening to music, and staring in front of us. I hummed along the song for a bit, quietly singing.

"You wanna talk about sex, but you're not allowed.."

Kaizer looked at me with a soft expression as I did my thing.

A few songs later, a song that I listened to when I was in a dark place came up. I sighed as all the emotions came up. Kaizer noticed and wrapped his arm around me.

It all became a bit too much and I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. God... I hate my life... I snuggled in his side and sobbed quietly. It felt so good to finally let it all out...

——↟❣°°❦°°❣↟——

I had been crying for a while and Kaizer had pushed us down in a laying position. We were both laying on our sides, facing eachother. My face was in his chest and my hands clung onto his shirt. His arms were wrapped around my torso and he was gently rubbing my back while pressing kisses into my hair.

"I love you.." He mumbled quietly in my hair. That earned more heartache and sobs from me. I just wrapped my arms around him tightly, to show him I loved him too.

Even though we're always fighting,

Even though our age difference is not okay,

Even though we're both broken,

We were bestfriends. He was my parental figure, brother, and friend. He was my everything. I depend on him. He's the one I find comfort in. The one where I find gentle care in.

The one where I find safety in.

- Authors note -

Hey guys, sorry for the short chapter. This was more like a filler chapter, since I don't want every single chapter to be like... you know, insane. Psychotic. I mean... it's supposed to be a bl story, so I need to keep the passion (Barista ifykyk) in the story. Next chapter will be.... a whole ass lot.

Thanks for all the support and love <3