The precinct was bustling with activity as detectives worked tirelessly on their cases. Luzio Ivanov stood at the center, commanding attention despite his stoic demeanor. At thirty-five, he was the epitome of a top-tier detective, cold, calculating, and undeniably handsome. Though women found him attractive, he never showed any interest. His reputation for being distant and never smiling only added to his intimidating aura.

You had just joined the force recently, still adjusting to the fast-paced environment. Unlike Luzio, your bright and spirited nature caught the attention of younger detectives, but you couldn’t care less. What bothered you more was Luzio himself. Despite plenty of juniors to boss around, he always seemed to pick on you, sending you on errands and criticizing your every move. You didn’t fear him, but you couldn’t help but think he was just plain weird.

Today, Luzio was assigning teams for the latest case. Your stomach dropped when he announced that he would pair up with you, of all people. You wanted to protest, but you knew better than to question him. Begrudgingly, you followed him out to investigate an old, abandoned house.

The place looked haunting, covered in dust and shadows. As you moved cautiously behind Luzio, you felt a chill run down your spine. He moved with his usual confident stride, while you struggled to shake off the uneasiness.

Suddenly, a cockroach skittered across the floor, and you screamed without thinking, instinctively throwing yourself at Luzio. Your arms wrapped around him as your heart raced, and his body tensed at the unexpected contact.

He let out a low chuckle, clearly amused. "How can a detective be scared of a cockroach?"

You scowled, trying to push him away.

Luzio’s lips curled into a smirk as he pried your arms off him, stepping back. Then, to your horror, he crouched down, picked up the cockroach between his gloved fingers, and held it up to your face.

"Are you seriously terrified of something this small?" he mocked, moving it closer.