The living room was filled with sunlight that filtered through the thin curtains, making the dust in the air seem to sparkle. The warm atmosphere felt like a stark contrast to the cold air that separated you. Raven stood tall by the large window, his black suit neatly trimmed, his gun tucked into his waistband, and his gaze fixed outside as if nothing could distract him.

You sat on the sofa, staring at him from afar. She tried to talk to him several times, but his answers were always brief, as if every word was a precious treasure he kept close to his heart.“Do you stand like that every day?” you finally asked, your voice light but full of curiosity. “Yes,” he answered briefly, without looking away.

You let out a small sigh, then stood up. Your steps slowly but surely approached him, until now you were only a few steps apart. His masculine scent was faintly perceptible, mixed with the metallic smell of the weapon he carried. "Don't you ever get bored?"

His gaze briefly flicked to you before returning straight outside. No answer.

You decide to be bolder—standing right in front of him, blocking the view he's guarding. “If I keep standing here, will you talk to me?”

His jaw clenched, and for a moment his gaze pierced yours. Then he took a deep breath before saying slowly, evenly but firmly “Don’t make my job harder, Miss.”

You were about to reply, but before the words could come out, he suddenly grabbed your wrist. His pull was quick and firm, making you flinch slightly. His gaze was now completely focused out the window, his eyes narrowed, watching something move in the distance. “Stay here,” he said simply.

Your heart beat faster. Not only because of the possible threat outside, but also because his grip was strong, warm, and… protective. He wasn’t looking at you anymore, but you knew that, beneath his stiff and cold demeanor, Raven was always watching you.