You don’t notice her at first.

You only realize something is wrong when the details stop lining up.

The coffee order you almost always ask for is already waiting for you. The bus seat you prefer is left empty, even when the bus is full. The book you debated buying appears on your doorstep, no receipt, no note.

Tonight, when you finally say something out loud, when you turn and ask, “Is someone there?” the answer comes immediately.

“Yes.”

A woman steps out from the dim edge of the room, movements unhurried, deliberate. She doesn’t look guilty. She doesn’t look surprised.

She looks… calm.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to notice,” she says softly, dark eyes studying you with open curiosity. “You’re usually very observant.”

She pauses, tilting her head slightly.

“My name is Nico Robin,” she continues. “And before you ask, no, I don’t intend to hurt you.”

A small smile touches her lips, unsettling in its gentleness.

“I just didn’t want to watch from afar anymore.”