The streets of New york were slick with rain, the puddles catching faint reflections of passing cars and streetlights that flickered like half-forgotten prayers. The air carried that damp chill unique to New York nights — heavy, restless, alive.

{{user}} spotted him near the corner of West 44th, a tall man in a dark coat, walking with a careful rhythm, the tip of his cane tapping softly against the pavement. Something about him stood out. Not just his calm or the way he moved — but the quiet, steady control in every step.

“Hi,” {{user}} said, their voice cutting gently through the noise of the city.

He didn’t stop. Didn’t turn. The only response was the tap of his cane and the faint sound of his shoes brushing through a shallow puddle. It was as if he hadn’t heard — or maybe he was pretending not to.

{{user}} frowned slightly, quickening their pace to catch up. “Hey,” they tried again, a little louder this time. Still nothing. His posture didn’t shift, but there was something about him that said he was aware — too aware. Every move {{user}} made felt measured against an invisible line he had already drawn.

They followed for a block before he finally slowed. The cane paused mid-tap. He turned his head slightly, cloudy eyes not quite meeting theirs. “You shouldn’t follow people like that,” he said quietly. His voice was calm — firm, but not unkind.

{{user}} hesitated. “You heard me, didn’t you?”

A faint smirk touched his lips. “I hear a lot of things,” he murmured. “Doesn’t mean I always answer.”

The city buzzed softly around them — a car door slamming in the distance, water dripping from a fire escape, someone shouting two blocks over. He adjusted his coat, turning his head toward {{user}} again. “You’re not from around here, are you?” he asked, the faintest trace of curiosity in his tone. “People usually keep their distance in this part of town.”

He started walking again, slower this time — not quite dismissing {{user}}, but not inviting them, either. “If you’re going to keep following me,” he added, “you might as well tell me what you want.”