[ the way vie holds onto him reminds him of the cafe where they'd first met — again. there was something wrong then too, but jaejin doesn't know what it was or what it is now, watching him collect himself and following him to the sofa. he stays close even as he helps with the cushions, keeping an eye on him just in case. if he collapses again, he'll need to be quick, especially with the mess. he lets him draw him onto the sofa, settling close enough his knee bumps his leg when he shifts to face him better.

the guilt is quick to set in too, an easy tide as he listens to vie. maybe it was too much, the sudden ramble of something only he remembers. telling him these things won't help them now, not when vie still has a target on his back large enough to extend to the belongings he left here. memories of a bad day, even shared, have very little place between them now. so, he nods in agreement, worrying his lower lip between his teeth to ward off the apology primed on the tip of his tongue. ]

I don't think this was an attempt to hurt me, at least not physically. They would have waited if it was. [ but he knows what vie means, knows it would be best if they at least work together. with a breath, he wipes any lingering wetness from under his eyes, trying to ignore the way his heart stutters in his chest at the feeling of vie's lips against his knuckles. ] There are complications with staying together, but I do agree with you. It really would be best if we did so as much as possible.

[ because he'll worry too. he thinks to ask vie if he could increase his personal security, but decides better of it. it isn't his place, really, and he's sure vie has already done so considering what's happening. ]