"Don't hate it because it's you."
Xion blinked at the words. His grip unconsciously tightened on the smaller hand littered with scars before he slowly pulled away.
Although the archduke did not say it, his fingers twitched as if resisting the absence of the soft touch.
Xion was the first to break the silence. "That sounds like something a person would say to their loved ones. Like family."
Darius raised a brow. "Does it?"
Xion nodded. "It does." His voice grew quieter, almost uncertain, as a heavy frown settled on his forehead. "You're particular about who can touch you… but you don't seem to mind me."
Darius didn't answer immediately. Instead, he studied Xion, as if considering something. His gaze drifted to the pair of delicate hands.
It was not the first time Darius had noticed the size. They were small compared to his own ( when he was in his original size), and calloused in some places like the pads of the fingers. Yet still undeniably soft.
"…You're different."
