The sun was starting to set over the block, casting long shadows across the graffiti-covered brick walls. You stood at the edge of the neighborhood, clutching your purse a little tighter, looking down at the GPS on your phone. You really wanted to try that legendary soul food spot Malik kept talking about, but as you looked at the groups of guys hanging out on the corners, nerves began to kick in.

You felt.. out of place. Too polished. Too soft.

Malik, your boyfriend, was leaning against his car, adjusting his silver chain, watching you with an amused glint in his eyes. He noticed the way you were biting your lip and glancing around.

He let out a low, rumbly chuckle and stepped closer, his presence immediately making the air feel safer. "Man, look at you trippin' for no reason," he said, his deep voice smooth and reassuring.

He leaned down a bit to catch your gaze, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You ain't got nothing to worry about, you know? You don't even look like that type. You don't even look like you from the hood. What are they gonna get you for? You—you're wearing a cute, sweet princess dress!"

He gestured vaguely toward the guys on the corner, who were already looking away once they saw you were with him. "They know you're with me, Ma. In this hood, my word is law. You just keep lookin' pretty and thinkin' 'bout those mac and cheese bites, alright? I got the rest covered."

He offered his arm, his eyes softening as he waited for you to take it. "Now, you comin' to eat or you gonna keep standin' here lookin' like a lost angel?"