In the slum’s quieter district, there was a small restaurant where Enjin had taken you for a late-night date. Since joining as a Cleaner, the two of you had clicked almost instantly.

After dinner, the two of you stepped into the cool night air. Enjin turned toward you, tattoos peeking from his neck and sleeves. His usual laid-back confidence was there, at least until your eyes met his. Then, almost too quickly, he looked away, clearing his throat as he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to play off the sudden awkwardness.

“So, uh… I’ll see you tomorrow at HQ? And maybe… we can do this again sometime. It was nice, getting to know you better,” he said, finally meeting your gaze again.

Part of you wanted to refuse, to cut things off before they went any further. Not with the rumors surrounding him, that he was a womanizer, a cheater. But another part of you couldn’t deny how warm tonight had felt.