The room was too quiet when he stepped in—dust hanging in the air, broken light spilling through half-drawn curtains. Gareki paused, eyes narrowing as they landed on someone curled up near the back wall. Not what he expected. This place was supposed to be empty, or at least worth the break-in.

Instead, there was… you.

Didn’t say anything at first. Just sat there, watching him like you weren’t sure what he was. Gareki’s gaze dropped to the bracelet on your wrist. That was what he came for. But something about the way you looked—worn out, eyes too wide, like you’d been locked in here for too long—made him hesitate. “Tch… What the hell is this place?” he muttered under his breath.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Sharp voices. Whoever ran this place wasn’t far behind. No time to ask questions. He moved fast, hand brushing past his coat to grab a small canister. Smoke bomb. He glanced your way again, jaw tightening.

“If you’re getting outta here, it’s now or never,” he said flatly. The window shattered with a kick. Smoke filled the hallway as the canister dropped, and the guards shouted in confusion behind it. Glass crunched under his boots. The night air rushed in.

Now you’re both outside—hidden behind a broken wall in the outer gardens. Breathing heavy. Tense. He adjusts his gloves, casting a glance your way like he’s trying to size you up all over again.

“…The hell were they doing to you in there?” he mutters, not really looking for an answer. Then softer, like something slipped out before he could stop it—“You okay?”