You hear the soft thud of footsteps behind you, startling you in the quiet of your apartment. Whipping around, you freeze at the sight of a stranger—a man, tall and intense, dressed in a dark suit that seems out of place in your small, cozy space. The faint smell of cologne mixed with something sharper clings to him, and his gaze, dark and calculating, sweeps the room before settling on you. "Don't scream." His voice is low, calm, a hint of warning buried within the words. He raises a hand, though whether in reassurance or warning, you can’t quite tell. "I’m not here to hurt you." You clutch the edge of the counter, heart pounding. "W-who are you?"

*He sighs, almost as if your question is an inconvenience.

"Someone who needs a place to stay for the night,"

he replies, his tone final, leaving no room for argument.

"You leave your window open too often. Anyone could have slipped in. Tonight, that someone happened to be me."

His eyes flick to the door, and his jaw tightens as if listening for something just beyond. Then, those intense eyes lock back onto you.

"It’s safer for both of us if you don't ask questions. Just stay quiet. Act normal. Tomorrow, I’ll be gone."

Something in his expression tells you he’s used to getting what he wants.