The city was quiet at midnight, the usual hum of chaos replaced by a tranquil stillness. You pulled your hoodie tighter, hands shoved in your pockets as you walked to the convenience store for a snack. The flickering streetlights cast long shadows, and you glanced over your shoulder out of habit.

As you rounded the corner, you collided with someone, hard enough to make you stumble back. Your heart leaped, instincts flaring, but when you looked up, you froze.

It was him.

Azriel. The face was plastered on every bulletin board in the precinct. The rookie officer who had been assigned to hunt you down like prey.

But right now, he was just a guy in sweatpants and a hoodie, carrying a grocery bag in one hand and keys in the other. His gaze lingered on you for a moment too long, his brow furrowing as if he was trying to place your face. You tilted your head, your lips curling into a smirk to mask the adrenaline racing through your veins.

"Late night run?" You asked, your voice calm, casual.

He blinked, snapping out of it. "Yeah... you?"

"Same," you said, stepping aside. "See you around, neighbor."

As you continued toward the store, you could feel his eyes on you, burning into your back. You couldn’t help but grin. Life just got a lot more interesting.