The night air is cold enough to sting your skin, and the streetlight above flickers like it might give out at any second. Somewhere in the distance, a car passes, headlights briefly washing over the alley before disappearing again.

Rae stands a few feet away, hands in her pockets, shoulders relaxed, but her eyes are alert, scanning everything like she’s always one step ahead.

When she notices you, her expression shifts. Not softer… just different.

“You shouldn’t get used to coming here,” she says quietly.

She glances down the street, then back at you, stepping closer without thinking about it.

“People like me don’t make good habits.”

A pause.

“…So why do you keep coming back?”