The storm hadn't let up by morning.
Sunvale's campus was awash in puddles, the air heavy with the smell of wet earth. Students hurried between buildings with umbrellas clutched tight, their chatter muted under the rain's relentless patter.
But Eli wasn't thinking about the weather.
He was thinking about the bruises on Riven's face — the ones that looked worse under the harsh dorm lights when he had helped clean them last night.
He had barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Riven's expression — not the pain from the fight, but the quiet fear of losing someone. Fear of losing him.
By the time he reached the old music building again, Riven was already there, leaning against the piano that had long lost its tune. His head tilted slightly at the sight of Eli.
"You're here early," Riven said, voice low.
Eli dropped his bag. "You think I'd leave you like that? Not happening."
A ghost of a smile crossed Riven's lips, but it faded just as quickly. "You're not listening, Eli. This isn't… some club rivalry or student drama. These people don't stop."
"Then neither will I." Eli's words came sharper than he intended. "You keep telling me I don't understand — and you're right. But I want to. And if standing next to you means standing in the fire, then so be it."
Riven shook his head, incredulous. "Do you hear yourself? This isn't bravery — it's—"
"It is bravery," Eli interrupted. "Not because I'm not scared, but because I am — and I'm still here. That's what you've been doing your whole life, isn't it? Fighting while afraid?"
Riven looked away, jaw tightening.
"You've been carrying this alone for so long," Eli continued, his voice softening. "You don't have to anymore. You've taught me that courage isn't about being fearless — it's about choosing to stand when it matters most. And right now? You matter most."
The silence between them was thick, filled with the sound of rain on the roof.
Finally, Riven spoke — barely above a whisper. "You're going to get hurt."
"Maybe," Eli admitted. "But I'll take the hurt if it means you won't have to stand here alone."
For a moment, Riven didn't move. Then he stepped forward, so close Eli could feel the warmth of him despite the damp air. His eyes searched Eli's, as if weighing every risk, every reason to push him away.
And for once… he didn't.
Instead, he said, "Then I guess we burn together."
Something in Eli's chest ached — not with fear, but with the fierce, unshakable certainty that whatever came next, they would face it side by side.
The storm outside was still raging.
But inside, two people who had been running their whole lives decided to stop.
Not because the fire had gone out.
But because they'd finally found someone worth standing in it for.
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