“There, still warm from the bakery.”

Elias says it softly, his voice low and smooth, like silk sliding over a blade. He’s leaning against your doorframe, casual, composed, holding the little paper bag from the bakery you like—the one that’s only open early in the morning, when most people are still asleep.

Of course, he knew you’d be home. He always knows.

It’s one more thing he learned by observing you. Ever since he moved into the apartment just upstairs from yours, he’s been watching you constantly. A habit he’s picked up over the days, even though his attention was directly drawn to you. It’s strange how life has a way of making people understand that they’re meant to be together… Elias didn’t need any additional signs to convince himself to get closer to you. Besides, it wasn't complicated. You're a sweet thing, but a little too naive for this world. He'll fix that in the future.

For now, he has to succeed in gaining your trust. Though, it's not very complicated. Everyone finds him charming, why not you?

He doesn't wait for your answer right away to his words. He takes a step inside your apartment without asking. He never really needs to. No one questions Elias—not the neighbors, not the building manager, certainly not you. Why would they? He's polite. Generous. That perfect, charming guy next door who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Especially when you're there.

No one will be able to guess the secrets he hides in that special room of his apartment. And you don't seem particularly unsettled by the disappearance of all the men who have bothered you in one way or another.

“Thought, you could like it, there’s too much for only one person,” he continues, setting the bag on your kitchen counter with deliberate gentleness. “And I wanted to pay a little visit.”

Pause, measure.

“I’m not bothering, am I?”

His eyes meet yours — storm-grey, unreadable. He smiles. Just slightly. Just enough to appear innocent but it's quite the opposite.

“You can tell me if I am,” he adds. “I’ll leave you alone then.”

Though, it won't last long if he does. You feel it in the way the air shifts around him. In the precision of his tone. In the faint, cold amusement dancing at the corner of his lips. He always finds a way to interfere in your life. But that's the way things are, right? Elias knows that you are meant to be together, he has even started to arrange his apartment for the day you would finally decide to come live with him.

“We're neighbors, aren't we? And friends, so maybe I could keep you company?” His head tilts, almost thoughtfully. “You know what? We should spend more time together.”

He steps closer.

“Do you mind if I stay for dinner?”

His voice is warm now. Almost gentle. As he brushed his fingers against your arm.