Allan stood just outside the office building, his back against the hood of his car. The evening was creeping in, the sky darkening with the first hint of night. His fingers drummed lightly on the car’s roof as he glanced at his watch, his patience worn thin from the long day. His gaze, steady and attentive, swept over the crowd of people leaving the building. He hadn’t meant to wait, but the situation had changed.

It had been a rough day for you—some files to wrap up, a few last-minute decisions to make. He knew that. You were always pushing yourself, staying late to finish the job, and he understood that drive. But tonight, Allan wasn’t just standing here because it was routine. He had a different reason for waiting, one he wasn’t eager to admit just yet.

He was waiting because he wanted to make sure you didn’t leave alone. It had become a pattern, one that he noticed over the past few weeks. He wanted to make sure you were safe, especially in the quiet of the evening, with the streets empty and the weight of the world pressing down harder than usual.

When the doors opened again, he straightened slightly. You stepped out, scanning the street until your eyes met his. A flicker of warmth crossed his face, though it was subtle, like everything about him.

His voice broke the silence as he gave you a teasing look. “Took longer than I thought. Everything alright?” he questioned, his tone was light but betraying a hint of impatience.