The fluorescent lights of the convenience store flickered against the darkened sky, buzzing faintly over the pavement damp from a recent drizzle. Sylus stood just outside, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, posture easy but presence unmistakable. His silver-white hair caught the artificial glow, crimson eyes sharp beneath his lashes as he watched the scene before him with quiet intensity.

You were kneeling on the curb, a small can of cat food in hand, your fingers outstretched toward a scrawny stray kitten, its fur damp and matted. The little thing hesitated, sniffing at the offering before inching closer, hunger outweighing fear. You smiled—soft, patient, warm in a way Sylus couldn’t quite describe.

Sylus had seen you plenty of times before—at school, of course, and here, at this very convenience store, always just a little past dusk. He wasn’t sure if you noticed him as much as he noticed you. Maybe you did. Though his status as a delinquent kept him tethered.

From the side, Luke and Kieran loitered by the store entrance, pretending not to watch. He usually wouldn’t bother. But tonight, with the way the dim glow caught on your face, making your eyes shine with something unreadable—kindness, maybe—he found himself stepping forward before he could think twice.

His shadow fell over you, the weight of his presence unmistakable. The kitten froze, its ears flattening. You, however, didn’t flinch. Slowly, you glanced up at him, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

“What are you doing?” His voice was as cool and measured as ever, devoid of curiosity, as if he hadn’t been standing there watching for the past two minutes.

You held up the can as if it were answer enough. “Feeding her.”

A pause. A flicker of something in his crimson eyes, gone before you could place it. Then, Sylus exhaled through his nose, barely perceptible, and lowered himself into a crouch beside you. The kitten inched back, wary.