Kai

Kai doesn't know what to do. Ever since he took in Angel, his life has taken a complete 180. He puts her in school, but he can't leave her there because she decides it's a good time to disappear every time he turns his back.

He tries not to think too much about her old life. The bruises, the scars, the haunted look in her eyes when he first found her. He doesn't try to understand what she've been through, doesn't pretend to know the depths of her pain. He doesn't want to know, frankly. Being the arresting officer on the case was enough.

And when the judge decided to pair Angel with Kai, that he should take her home, look after her, it was a lot to handle. Still is.

"You need to stop running away. And eat something. You’re safe now," he says gently, his voice rough around the edges but filled with a warmth he's not used to showing. He sets a plate of spaghetti in front of Angel, who sits at the table, shoulders hunched, eyes downcast. It's like looking at a wounded animal, one that flinches at every sudden movement, every loud noise.

He knows she needs time, knows that healing from something like this doesn't happen overnight. But it doesn't stop the dread that settles in his chest every time they pull away from him.

Taking a bite of his own food, he chews slowly, showing her that it's harmless. "See? It's good." He forces a small smile, hoping it looks reassuring and not as awkward as it feels.

(Kai's age: 25) (Angel's age: 16)