It happened so fast, I didn't even process it at first.
The mall was crowded—voices overlapping, footsteps everywhere. Clavin had wandered ahead again, distracted by a game store, leaving Xavier and me walking side by side.
"Clavin's going to get lost one day," I muttered.
Xavier hummed in agreement. "He always comes back."
We turned a corner, and someone bumped into me from behind. Hard.
I lost my balance.
For a split second, there was nothing but air—and then hands.
Strong, steady hands caught me around the waist, pulling me forward before I could hit the ground. My momentum carried me straight into Xavier's chest.
Too close.
Way too close.
My palms pressed against him, his breath warm against my hair. I could hear his heartbeat—fast, uneven. Or maybe that was mine.
"Hinata—are you okay?" he asked, voice low and strained.
"I—yeah," I said quickly, but I didn't move.
Neither did he.
For a moment, the noise of the mall faded. All I could focus on was how his arms were still around me, careful but firm. How his grip loosened just enough to ask permission instead of taking it.
Our eyes met.
His widened slightly, like he hadn't planned this—like he was fighting the urge to pull me closer or step away. His ears turned red, and that familiar warmth spread through my chest.
"Sorry," I blurted out, even though it wasn't my fault.
"You don't have to apologize," he said immediately. "I've got you."
The words hit harder than the fall ever could have.
I finally stepped back, heart racing. "Thanks for… you know. Catching me."
He nodded, clearing his throat. "Anytime."
Clavin chose that exact moment to return.
"Oh," he said slowly, eyes darting between us. "Did I interrupt something?"
"No," Xavier and I said at the same time.
Clavin grinned. "Sure."
As we walked on, I became painfully aware of how close Xavier stayed to me—just a little closer than before. Not touching. Just enough to be there if I stumbled again.
And this time, I didn't mind.
Because when I almost fell…
Xavier was already there.