I Hate the Way You Save Me/Damian Hardung

She learned early what it means to feel alone even when someone is supposed to be there. Her father was always a blurry presence in her life: physically only half there, emotionally completely absent. A man unable to truly listen, too absorbed in work, his own problems, or just himself. Growing up like that has made her fragile in ways that go unnoticed at first. Because she smiles, studies, and tries to appear normal. But inside she constantly struggles against anxiety. The panic attacks come suddenly: shortness of breath, trembling hands, a heart that seems like it’s about to burst out of her chest. And the worst part is feeling defective every single time it happens. Then Logan Carter arrives. Drummer of Black Soul Side. Older, charming, self-assured. One of those guys who steps into a room and makes even the most invisible people feel seen. Logan immediately knows exactly where to hit her. With her, he is gentle, protective, present in the moments when no one else has ever truly been. He makes her feel desired, chosen, important. And for a girl who grew up chasing attention and affection, that becomes almost an addiction. Even when the first red flags appear. The sudden disappearances. The other girls. The suffocating jealousy. The lies uttered while looking her in the eyes. The anger that flares up too easily. She keeps justifying him because Logan always knows how to mend things: a caress after a quarrel, a message at three in the morning, the way he takes her face in his hands, telling her that she’s the only one who truly understands him. But it isn’t love. It’s control disguised as need. And while she loses herself in that toxic relationship, there is someone who watches everything from afar. Damian Hardung, The band’s guitarist. Silent. Calculating. Sharp-tongued when he speaks. One who seems to have no time for feelings. Damian never even tries to win her over. In fact, he often comes off as cold, almost irritating. But he is always there in the worst moments. He’s the one who notices her panic attacks before anyone else. He’s the one who lowers the music when he sees her breathing change. He’s the one who escorts her out of the club without asking any questions. He’s the one who sits next to her in silence until her hands stop trembling. Damian never utters perfect phrases. He doesn’t promise to save her. Yet he looks at her as if to remind her that she deserves something better. And perhaps that’s exactly what terrifies her the most. Because Logan gives her the wrong kind of love she’s used to. While Damian offers her something she has never known: genuine kindness without any ulterior motive.

Updated September 23, 2026