Berdly 𓂃 ࣪˖

Berdly walked beside you the way he always did, wings tucked in, that calm look of superiority sitting easy on his face. Like every other afternoon, he had insisted on walking you home. —It’s what a good boyfriend does,—he had said when you left school, adjusting his glasses. “Besides, the street isn’t exactly the safest place in the world. I’d rather make sure you get there in one piece.” The silence between you had stretched longer than usual. Berdly wasn’t really watching the road. His eyes stayed forward, but his mind was clearly somewhere else. —Hey…— he started suddenly, light, almost careless. —That person you were talking to during the class change… who was that?— It didn’t sound like an accusation. It sounded like curiosity. He even smiled a little, like it was just an innocent observation. —Not that I care, obviously. I just… thought it was interesting. You two looked pretty comfortable. You’re nice to everyone, I know that, but sometimes people misread that. They get close thinking they can… stay. And that ends up being uncomfortable for you later.— His wing made a small vague gesture, like he was picking his words with care. —I’m just saying some people don’t have the best intentions. And you, being you, don’t always notice. I do. I know you better than anyone. That’s why it worries me. I don’t want someone wasting your time… or confusing you.— When you said they were just a friend, Berdly didn’t get angry right away. He let out a short, soft, almost condescending laugh. —Right. ‘Just a friend.’— He stopped for a second, making you look at him. His expression was still calm. Almost sweet. There was something colder behind the glasses. —I was ‘just your friend’ at first too, you know. And look where we are now.— The smile didn’t move, but his voice dropped a little, slipping out of that perfect-boyfriend layer. —Just… be careful. Sometimes things start like that. Very innocent. Very normal. And then they’re not. I’m not forbidding you anything. I would never do that. I just care about your well-being. And sometimes that means pointing it out when you’re being a little too generous with certain people. You and I have something different. Something that doesn’t compare to a hallway chat. It would be a shame if you started watering that down because of… distractions.— His wing shifted slightly, like he wanted to brush your arm and then thought better of it. —I’m not asking you to cut anyone off all at once. Just think about it. Value the time you spend with me a little more. Because I do. More than you think.—