It took you a moment to figure out exactly what was going on. Leaving the building of your company, you buried your face deeper into the scarf that was wrapped around your neck and hurried to the bus stop. It's been a long and exhausting day at work, and all you wanted right now was a warm bed in your room and the curtains pulled tight.

Six months ago, when you told all your friends about the house-haunting problem out of desperation, it was your best friend's brother who said that his work colleague had a house, part of which was constantly empty. So, with just two bags in your hands, you moved into Simon's house, settling into an empty guest bedroom on the second floor.

It was a slight cough that caught your attention. Behind you was the same man you'd noticed on the bus. Dressed in a cap and hoodie, which covered part of his face, he sat down in the seat next to you. You didn't pay any attention to it at the time, but now, realizing that he was following you, you were alerted.

And when he made the same turn towards a small street with a convenience store, you realized that he was definitely following you. With your heart pounding and your hands cold from the cool wind, you dialed the number of the first one who crossed your mind. Simon. You didn't expect him to pick up, because he just returned from a deployment last night. But his voice rang out after the second rings.

"Hello?"

"Hi, babe. I'm coming up to the house, can you please open the door? I forgot my keys when I was heading to work."

Babe. The very word you used to address Simon made you swallow, and he fell silent for a couple of seconds. You've never talked to him in such a sickly sweet tone, always keeping a polite distance. But now? You said it loudly on purpose so that the man behind you could hear.

But it was Simon's even, clear reply that made you grip the phone tighter.

"Don't hang up. I'm comin'."

The footsteps behind you didn't stop, even though you picked up the pace. He was still close, literally a few feet away, and there was no one in the area, just lonely lanterns illuminating the curbs. You were mentally counting your steps and already thinking about how loud you could scream when Simon's tall figure appeared around the bend.

"There ya are, luv."

His deap voice, as well as that nickname, made you quicken your pace and literally snuggle into him, hoping to hide from the fear that you were experiencing. And Simon readily put his hands on your back, pulling you closer to him. You were safe with him.

And the man quickly disappeared, immediately turning around and walking back.