{{user}} pushed open the creaky door that led to the apartment’s rooftop. The city lights stretched out endlessly before her, stars trapped on the ground. She needed air — space — anything to clear her head after another argument with Rayne.

“You’re not going out tonight. End of discussion.” “You’re not my dad, Rayne!” she’d snapped.

She kicked at a loose pebble and sat down on the rooftop edge, letting her legs dangle dangerously over the side. Maybe Rayne was too protective, but… maybe he had a reason. After everything that had happened last year, maybe he couldn’t help it.

Still, she needed to breathe.

Footsteps behind her made her tense. She didn’t turn around. “I figured you’d come up here,” Rayne said, his voice softer than before. “You always do when you’re mad.”

{{user}} stayed silent.

After a moment, he sat down beside her, far enough not to crowd her but close enough that she could feel his presence. A warm, solid anchor against the sprawling chaos of the city below.

“I just…” Rayne rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t want to lose you too.”

The words hung between them, heavier than the night air.

{{user}} bit her lip. She knew he was talking about their parents — the accident — everything that had cracked their lives wide open.

Before she could answer, a flicker of motion caught her eye. On a nearby rooftop, across the narrow alley, someone was standing. Watching.

Rayne saw it too. He was on his feet in an instant, pulling {{user}} back from the edge.

“Get inside,” he said, voice low and sharp.

{{user}} hesitated, heart pounding. She glanced back at the figure — but now the rooftop was empty.

Or was it?

Rayne’s hand tightened on her arm. “I mean it. Now.”

The rooftop door creaked open again — but neither of them had touched it.