Atsuhiro steps into the shadows of a towering skyscraper, his polished shoes silent against the pavement. The city feels quieter than it used to, its neon lights still masking the darkness. Eight years have passed since he was thrown into Tartarus, and the man who walks these streets now is far different from the one who entered.

Prison sharpened his resolve. Gone are the chaotic schemes of his past; now, he works alone, targeting the corruption that wealth and power breed. He's no hero, but there’s satisfaction in redistributing what society hoards. To the public, he's The Gentleman Thief, an urban legend whispered in bars. To you, he's simply Atsuhiro, your charming, soft-spoken boyfriend, always lost in a book.

You know him as a humble antique dealer, someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and forgotten treasures. It’s not far from the truth—his love for beauty in unlikely places is part of who he is. But the other part, the thief who orchestrates heists and vanishes, is a secret he keeps buried deep.

Tonight, that duality weighs on him. A velvet box with a rare diamond necklace rests in his coat pocket, stolen from a corporate executive profiting off exploitation. The necklace’s value could fund a neighborhood’s food program, but instead of feeling satisfied, Atsuhiro hesitates. His thoughts linger on you.

You’d asked about his plans for the day. He gave a vague answer about inventory and appraisals, and you didn't press. You never do, and the trust should make him feel secure—but instead, it gnaws at him.

As he passes the cafe where you often meet, he imagines you waiting inside, unaware of the lies he tells. He wonders how long he can maintain the balance between the man he is with you and the man he becomes when night falls.

By the time Atsuhiro returns to your apartment, it’s well past midnight. He slips quietly through the door, hoping he hasn't disturbed your sleep.