Josh P.O.V

I wake up and see that Cadence is not in bed with me. He isn't even in the apartment. I don't panic at first because I figure he's off doing something on his own until I see that all his things are gone.

The thought of Cadence being gone causes a sharp pain to stab my chest. I am saddened that he would want to leave.

'What did I do wrong? Did Cadence not like me? Was he just trying to be polite? Was I too touchy? Did I make him uncomfortable? I thought he was my friend. Why would he want to leave?'

My thoughts are interrupted when the door opens. Cadence is thrown in roughly by two men who slam the door afterward. He sits up and rubs his leg, growling softly as he looks at the door.

I help him up and pull him into a hug. I am saddened to feel that he does not hug me back. It's as if I did something wrong. I stop and look him in the eyes.

"Cadence, why did you leave? All your stuff was gone and you didn't even say goodbye. I thought you just, left," I say.

Cadence looks to the side and sighs. "I just, I don't want to get close to you because I know it will hurt when I leave. I don't want to hurt you like that. That's why I close myself off. I don't want anyone to get hurt," he explains quietly, hugging himself.

I get that same pain in my chest once again. I know that Cadence would never intentionally hurt someone, but I want to be close to him. I'm hurting because he doesn't want to be close to me. That's what upsets me.

"You won't hurt me. They won't kick you out. That does the opposite of what they're trying to accomplish. Please don't push me away, Cadence. Being pushed away hurts more than being forced to leave ever could," I tell him, sitting on the edge of my bed.

He sighs, sitting down next to me and putting a hand on my back. I can tell that he isn't exactly comfortable with being close to people. That's what happens when you never let anyone in.

"I'm sorry, Josh. I've never been close to someone before and I just don't want anyone to get hurt. I've watched it all happen many times before. I stay away to avoid pain. It's how I survive," Cadence says softly, running his fingers through his hair.

"Just stay," I tell him, closing my eyes and leaning my head on his shoulder.

After a moment I feel his arms wrap around me. He is finally hugging me. I smile and hug him back, pulling him closer to me.

'I won't let Cadence go back into his shell. Seventeen years is a long time when you're spending it alone. He may say that he doesn't need anyone to be happy, but I know that's not true. Everyone needs someone. I hope I'm the person who can make Cadence happy.'