Aiyana leaps forward when she catches sight of the tube approaching; I almost pull a Kazuo and yank her back to my side, but when I remember the screenshots Valentino sent a few minutes ago, I refrain from doing so. Instead, I allow her to walk ahead-though there's not much of a distance between us considering her short legs don't take her very far-and stay lingering behind her.

Of course, she turns to me expectantly when we reach the tube doors. Thankfully, this ride isn't as packed out as the last; there aren't any passengers rushing ahead, or pushing their way through, and the carriage we're about to enter looks quiet empty.

What is it now?I say, raising an eyebrow.

She simply raises her head, chocolate brown eyes glistening under the ambient lighting, and laughs nervously; my eyes flicker towards her nude painted lips, watching as her teeth graze the soft flesh. My fingers itch to pull her lip back, so I glance away.

The, um... doors are about to shut any second, and this is going to sound really weird... but can you-can you hold my hand?

Her request is odd, and if it wasn't for the tube leaving any second now, or for the panic laced behind her words I would've refused. Instead, I look ahead into the carriage and grab her hand; Aiyana instantly grips my hand tighter.

I try not to take notice of the way her small hand fits in mine, or the way her palm is soft against my own rough ones.

Watch your head,I murmur lowly, staying close behind her as I raise a hand above her head, mindful of the passengers walking past to move into a different carriage. And once we're safely inside, doors shut behind us, she lets go.

Thank you, Judah,she releases a sigh of relief, and slips into one of the seats. I follow in suit, appreciating the empty space.

What was that about?I ask, resting my intertwined hands on my torso as I glance down at her.

She grimaces and shakes her head, her black hair falling across her shoulders at the action. I have a ridiculous fear of getting caught between the doors and getting left behind. It's stupid, I know-

It's not stupid,I say, shaking my head. I think that's a valid fear.

I sure hope so,she murmurs under her breath. When I was six, I didn't get onto the carriage quick enough, and I lost my parents. I was so, so traumatised, I cried for hours until they found me. I'd like to believe that's where my fear originated. You could say it's childish, but I like having a hand to hold.

A part of me wants to tease her for having a hand to hold, to make a joke about her earlier comments, but I don't. She doesn't expect it, and in all honesty, neither do I, but I hold out my hand, keeping my eyes trained ahead, and watch from the glass as she slips her hand into mine.

p.s. judah is only holding her hand bc she's scared lol. nothing more, nothing less.

he really is the softest bitch amongst his friends

also please ignore the time stamps in the images xx