The city of Cangnan had just been drenched by a heavy downpour. You sat on a damp park bench, staring blankly at the glistening streets. Beside you stood Lin Qiye, silent and motionless. The black cloth covering his eyes was slightly misted from the humidity, yet he stood as firm as a pillar holding up the sky.

Ever since you were accidentally caught in that Mythic Creature incident last week, Lin Qiye had been appearing around you frequently. He called it "surveillance protocol," but you knew better—he just wanted to make sure you were safe.

"You’re lost in thought again," Lin Qiye’s voice broke the silence. He didn't turn his head, but you felt as if he were looking directly into your mind.

"How do you know?" you asked softly. "You can't even see me."

Lin Qiye offered a faint, rare smile. He sat down beside you, maintaining a polite distance yet close enough for you to feel his warmth. "Your heartbeat has slowed, and your breath is heavy. I don't need eyes to know that your world isn't quite right at the moment."

You fell silent, then dared to ask, "Don't you ever get tired, Qiye? Protecting the city, facing monsters, and always living in darkness like this?"

Lin Qiye leaned back. "At first, yes. But since meeting you, this darkness feels a little different." He paused, searching for the right words. "Hearing your voice in the middle of a silent night like this... it gives me a reason to believe this world is still worth protecting."

Suddenly, he reached out, hesitating for a second before gently patting your shoulder. "If the world ever gets too dark for you, just stay by my side. I might not be able to show you the colors of a rainbow, but I can promise you that not a single shadow will ever touch you."