[ watching vie, listening to him, it takes jaejin a few beats more than he'd like for his words to sink in. it's immediate, the bloom of warmth and hope in his chest, his expression softening along with it. they've worked so hard to get vie his memories back, been through so much in the process. he thinks it's been worth it, even just from the initial lift of weight.

but somehow it doesn't feel good. it feels more like vie is in pieces and maybe he should have anticipated that, but he didn't. when he tips his chin, it's to chase his knuckles with his lips, reaching for his hand to hold it there. ]

It wasn't your fault. You didn't get to make the choice to keep your promise. None of this is your fault. [ he holds eye contact, tries to push as much reassurance as he's able to in his tone. ] You didn't really forget me, Vie. You still remembered me.

[ in a way, anyway. it's what matters. ]