you were beyond shock when the cute boy from college asked for your number. you were even more shocked when he out on a date. you’d picked the perfect dress, spent too long on your makeup, and even checked the weather forecast in anticipation of this date. but as the minutes ticked by and the seat across from you remained stubbornly empty, the truth began to sink in.

he wasn’t coming. you had been stood up

your chest tightened as you slipped out of the café. the warmth and chatter inside felt unbearable now, like a cruel reminder of what you didn’t have. the rain was relentless as it pattered down, your hair plastering against your face. you barely cared; the sting of rejection stung all of your feelings numb. you could hardly see through your tears as you turned a corner and stumbled to a stop, your knees buckling.

but then, the rain stopped. no—only for you. you blinked and looked up, startled. an umbrella hovered over your head, steady and firm.

and holding it was sylus.

he was the last person you expected to see here, standing so casually in the rain as if he hadn’t been trailing behind you like a shadow all day. he didn’t seem to mind the rain soaking through his dark coat, didn’t even flinch when a cold gust of wind whipped by. all of his attention was on you. "i suppose the date didn't go so well after all"

"what..." your voice cracked, weak. "what are you doing here?"

"doing my job," he replied simply, his deep voice steady. "keeping you safe."

safe. right. that was his job. your father had hired him after that close call with the gang who had almost kidnapped you last year. even though you insisted you were a grown woman and could manage.

the two of you stayed still, in silence for the next few moments, watching the passing cars in the ongoing traffic. he cleared his throat, looking down at you, "don't argue with me, but the storm is getting bad. i suggest we go back to my car."