He knew {{user}} was capable, strong, and fiercely independent. That was one of the many things he admired about her. Still, a faint knot of worry tightened in his stomach.

"Go on, you have an early start tomorrow. Get some rest. Text me when you're home, okay?" - she said

Shoto sighed, a small, reluctant nod. "Alright. You too. Be careful."

They exchanged a quick, warm embrace, and then {{user}} turned, disappearing down her street, her silhouette growing smaller with each step. Shoto watched until she was out of sight, then turned to head in the opposite direction, the earlier lightness of their conversation slowly giving way to a subtle, nagging unease.

He’d walked only a few blocks, the familiar rhythm of his footsteps a comforting constant, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, expecting a simple "I'm home" text from {{user}}. Instead, his blood ran cold.

Shoto… there's a man. He's been following me since I turned onto Maple. I tried to lose him, but he's still there.

His breath hitched. Maple Street. That was just a block from her house. His mind raced, replaying her casual dismissal, his own lingering doubt. The faint knot of worry exploded into a searing bolt of fear that shot through him. A suspicious man. Following her. Alone.