It was late—far too late to still be out. The office lights had long gone dark, and the streets were nearly empty as you walked toward the bus stop, your heels echoing faintly against the pavement. The soft hum of the streetlights was the only sound accompanying you—until a sudden touch landed on your shoulder.

Instinct kicked in before reason could catch up. You twisted the stranger's hand with surprising strength and took off running, heart pounding in your chest.

But he was fast. Too fast.

Heavy footsteps gained on you quickly—his legs long, his strides swallowing the distance between you in seconds. You barely made it a few meters before a hand gently but firmly caught your wrist, spinning you around.

And then—you were in his arms.

He pulled you close with one swift motion, wrapping you tightly in his embrace. One hand on your back, the other cradling your head as he pressed your face gently against his chest.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice low and calm above the frantic beat of your heart. "Don’t worry. It’s me."

Arvin. The CEO of the company you worked for.

The very last person you expected to find chasing you in the dark.