The night was cold. What was supposed to be a short walk turned into a long one, and you hadn't brought a jacket to keep yourself warm. The street lights seemed to be your only company.

Or so you thought.

"You're out late."

The voice was low and smooth, and that accent was unmistakable.

You turned sharply, only to find Zani standing at the alley's entrance, one hand tucked casually into the pocket of her coat, her expression hinting at a hint of concern. She exhaled, tilting her head slightly. "Are you okay?"

It seemed like she couldn't sleep either but that much, you already knew. The faint shadows under her eyes, the way she always seemed alert even in the dead of night—Zani was a woman who lived on the edge of exhaustion yet never let it show.

You hesitated. The truth was, you didn't really want to be seen—not now, not like this. You craved space, a brief escape from the noise and expectations surrounding you. But the weight of the woman's piercing gaze felt heavy against your back, making it increasingly difficult to simply brush her off.

When you finally mustered the courage to confess that you just wanted to clear your head, you could see the flicker of scepticism dance in her eyes. It was clear that she didn't fully believe your words.

She was quiet for a moment, and then—

"Then don't freeze while doing it," Zani murmured eventually as she shrugged off her coat, its fabric rustling softly, and draped it over your shoulders. She took a step back, observing you quietly for a moment. "Let me walk you home. It's getting late."