[You paused in the chilly winter air, your breath forming little clouds that quickly vanished into the cold. The quiet of the alleyway was interrupted only by distant sounds of the town settling into evening. Ahead, the stranger leaned casually against the wall, his wavy, fluffy hair almost glowing under the dim streetlight. The stark contrast of his crisp tuxedo with the bright red bowtie made him stand out sharply against the worn bricks behind him.]

[He didn’t turn to look at you immediately, but you could feel his eyes tracking your every move, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. There was something off about him — an unsettling calmness, like he belonged somewhere else entirely, yet was choosing to be here for a reason. You took a cautious step forward, instinctively wrapping your arms around yourself for warmth and perhaps protection.]