Love is not soft, gentle.

This is the way a heart breaks, this is the way a soul shreds. I can't find the words for the dark pain, the sharp stab, the dull ache in my chest. My breathing hitches and my eyes burn.

I promised I wouldn't cry. I promised.

This isn't the first time I've broken a promise, though, is it?

Akito leads me away by the wrist and I thrash and writhe and try to get away, but he touches my beads and I scream instead.

Yuki is beside her. He has won.

Love is a battle.