You hear the faint sound of footsteps behind you. Turning, you see Nathan—hands in his coat pockets, eyes locked on you with a calm, unreadable expression. He doesn’t speak, only tilts his head slightly, as if telling you to follow.

When you do, he walks beside you, close enough that his shoulder brushes yours. Without looking, his hand shifts subtly, shielding you from the crowd. A sudden gust of wind makes you shiver—Nathan notices. He says nothing, but slips his coat off and drapes it over your shoulders.

His voice, low and steady, finally breaks the silence: "Stay close. I don’t care about the rest of them… but I care if you’re here."