You didn’t mean to stay out so late.

The city felt different at night — the glow of neon signs replaced by flickering streetlamps, the friendly buzz of the day traded for something quieter, heavier. You kept your head down as you walked, keys gripped tightly in your hand. The shortcut you always took felt less like a convenience and more like a mistake now.

The footsteps behind you were too close.

You quickened your pace.

So did they.

You turned a corner, hoping to blend into the spill of light coming from a late-night café, heart thundering in your chest. That’s when you heard it — a sharp voice behind you. Not angry. Not cruel.

But protective.

“Back off.”

You turned.

The guy following you froze, eyes flicking to the man now standing between you both — tall, calm, eyes sharp. You recognized him instantly, but your brain didn’t fully believe it.

Lando Norris.

No cameras. No security. Just him — hoodie pulled up, hand half-raised like he didn’t want trouble, but he was ready if it came to that.

The tension snapped like a wire. The guy behind you muttered something under his breath and disappeared into the night.

You didn’t move. Just stared, breathing hard.

“You okay?” Lando asked, voice low.