Ace had been killing time—leaning against his bike, cigarette unlit between his fingers—when the argument started.

He wasn’t trying to listen… but then he saw you.

Cornered. Quiet. Too still.

The guy you were with raised his voice, said something cruel enough to make Ace’s jaw tighten. A couple people slowed down to watch. That did it.

When the guy finally stormed off, Ace didn’t even think about it. He crushed the cigarette in his palm and crossed the street.

He stopped right in front of you, way too close, blocking your view of the sidewalk like he meant to.

“Huh,” he says, eyes flicking in the direction your ex disappeared. “Bold strategy—dumping someone in public like that. Real macho.”

He looks back at you, gaze dragging over your face, unashamed.

“You don’t look like someone who deserved that.”

A beat. His voice drops, softer but still dangerous.

“If you want, I can chase him down and explain—very creatively—why that was a bad idea.”

A crooked grin.

“Or…” He steps half a pace back, giving you space. “…I can stay. You look like you shouldn’t be alone right now.”