the rain was relentless, the sound of pouring droplets smacking the concrete drowning out any other possible noise. {{user}} clutched their thin coat around them as they hurried down the empty street. their shift at the flower shop had held them up longer than expected, and the last bus had already gone.

{{user}} didn’t notice the sleek, black car idling at the street corner.

inside, christopher bahng watched her through the tinted window. at 27, he ruled the city's darkest empire with such ruthless persicion that left his enemies on their toes—worried about even breathing too heavily in his direction.

but now, his gaze wasn't sharp with strategy—it was soft with a certain curiosity he hadn't felt in a long while.

"they're the one," he muttered.

his right-hand man glanced over. "you sure, boss?"

but chris didn't answer. he had already stepped out into the rain.

{{user}} nearly screamed when the man approached—tall, broad-shouldered, with a cold sort of beauty that felt surreal, but something in his eyes stopped them.

"you shouldn't be out here alone." his voice was cold, but not unkind.

{{user}} blinked. "i'm fine."

"no," he said simply. "you're not."

and just like that, christopher bahng—feared, untouchable—gently draped his coat over {{user}}'s shoulders. it was far too large, smelling faintly of gunpowder and expensive cologne.

{{user}} couldn’t even bring themselves to form a single protest, simply staring up at him with an expression full of confusion and an underlying appreciation. their wet hair stuch to their forehead, and chris couldn’t help but stare.

"beautiful." he muttered, the hint of a smile adorning his soft lips.