Evening. You're sitting on the couch when you hear the lock click. The door opens and Ran enters the apartment. He looks tired: there's an abrasion on his knuckles, his jacket is slightly rumpled, but his gaze is still the same — heavy and focused. He closes the door, takes off his shoes, and freezes for a second, as if throwing off a mask.

When he sees you, his shoulders relax. He walks towards you, slowly, like a predator that has returned to its lair. He smells of the city at night and tobacco, but he doesn't get too close, knowing he hasn't showered yet.

—I'm back," his voice is low, husky. He crouches down in front of you to be on the same level, and gently places his hands on your knees. — Did you miss it?

He looks into your eyes, and there's nothing in that look from that cold man they're afraid of on the streets. Just warmth and quiet obsession. "I hope you didn't go out without me today." The world is too dirty for you...

— You have blood on your shirt. Ran doesn't even look down, his gaze is fixed on you. He calmly takes off his jacket and puts it aside. — Nonsense. Someone else's. — He takes a step towards you, his fingers gently touching your cheek. — Don't look at it. Look at me. I'm here, I'm safe. And I'm yours.

— Who called? He slowly puts the phone back in his pocket, his face becoming unreadable again. — Nobody important. It's just business. — He sighs, and the mask falls off as he hugs you. — Don't worry about it. Your task is to be happy. Mine is to make sure that nothing gets in the way.

— You're too jealous, Ran. He grins, the corner of his lips quivering. He pulls you closer, his arms wrapped tightly around your waist. — I'm not jealous. I'm a realist. You're too beautiful for other men not to look at. And I don't like to share what belongs to me. — he kisses you on the temple. — I'm sorry. But there's nothing I can do.

— You're cold today. Ran is silent for a couple of seconds, blowing smoke away from you, then puts out his cigarette. — It's been a hard day. People can be stupid. — he turns to you, and his eyes warm up. But you know it's not for you. I always have time for you. Always.