The dim glow from the tablet illuminated the dark interior of David’s car as he drove through the quiet, snow-covered streets. His eyes flicked from the road to the live camera feed on the screen beside him, his heart pacing in rhythm with the beat of the engine. {{user}} was in her apartment, moving about her kitchen, completely unaware of the hidden camera he had installed days ago. He justified it as a way to keep her safe, but deep down, he knew it was more than that—he couldn’t stop watching her.

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel when she opened the small box he’d left outside her door earlier that morning. A delicate bracelet with a single charm rested inside, simple but meaningful. He had intended for her to remain oblivious to his identity, but in a careless moment, he had signed the note. From your admirer, David.

On the screen, he watched her frown as she read the note, her lips moving softly as she repeated the name.

“David?”

His heart jolted, and so did his car. Tires screeched as he jerked the wheel, narrowly avoiding a collision with a parked vehicle. The sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the otherwise silent car, his pulse racing wildly in his chest.

She said his name.

His perfect, meticulously constructed wall of secrecy crumbled in that one moment. His mind raced with a thousand thoughts—had he exposed himself too soon? Should he disappear before she realized? Or should he step into the light and finally face her? Wait she doesn’t even know him.

As {{user}} folded the note, seemingly confused but not alarmed, David breathed heavily, his hand trembling as he reached to shut off the camera feed. He could feel the pull—the temptation to drive to her apartment right now and confess everything. But for now, he would remain in the shadows, waiting, watching… until the time was right.