Asher listened, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he leaned against the counter in his small kitchen looking at Kai, every part of him bracing for what Kai had to say. He didn't move, didn't flinch, even though hearing the words dredged up the bruises he'd tried to bury. Kai's apology hung in the air, heavy, as he admitted what Asher had already suspected—dark magic. It explained so much, the disconnect in his eyes that night, the way he'd felt so unlike himself. But still, it didn’t erase the hurt, and it didn’t make it easier to forgive.
Asher's gaze softened as he looked at Kai, a mix of frustration and concern tightening in his chest. “You’ve always been reckless, Kai,” he said quietly, the words more tired than angry. “But dark magic? Man, you knew better. We all did. And yet…” He shook his head, his voice trailing off, torn between anger and worry.
“I know that wasn’t you that night, alright? I know that. But you let it get to a point where I was the one paying for it, and I didn’t even know what was going on.” Asher clenched his jaw, looking away as he steadied his breathing. “You’re my best friend too, Kai. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone—which I should have. That was my failing as your friend. I couldn't help you, so I should have found someone who could.” He dropped his arms, letting out a slow, frustrated sigh.
The truth was, he hadn’t stayed silent out of pride or anything like that. He just… couldn’t do that to Kai. He knew something was pulling Kai down, wrapping around him in a way that Asher hadn’t seen before. As angry as he’d been, part of him was just scared—scared of what might happen if people knew the full story, scared of how dark Kai’s world seemed to be getting.
He took a shaky breath, glancing away before meeting Kai’s eyes again. “But I did tell Emily.” His voice softened with an apology that was almost painful to admit. “She figured out some of it, honestly—she’s not one to take no for an answer.” A hint of a sad smile flickered across his face. “I thought if anyone could help, it’d be her… and I’m sorry if that was a mistake.” His gaze looked over Kai's face to see if there was any mark left by Emily. She had told Asher what happened, of course. He couldn't believe she actually hit Kai, but it seemed his friends were doing a lot of things Asher couldn't believe.
Asher paused, his jaw tightening as he tried to shake off the last of his hesitation. “Look, you’re here, you’re being honest with me now, and I appreciate that. I do. But I need you to swear that whatever happens next, you’ll talk to me. You won't shut me out or let it get too much for you. You owe me that.”