The crowd swallowed sound and faces alike.

You kept your hood low and your mask higher, letting the noise of the street wash over you. People brushed past without looking twice—just another stranger in the press of bodies. That was the point.

You hadn’t expected him to be here.

Not until you caught the faint rustle of feathers above the din.

Your chest tightened. You didn’t look up—didn’t dare—but you could feel the weight of his gaze even before you saw him.

You risked a glance, just enough to confirm what your instincts already knew. Red wings cut through the crowd like a flare, and there he was—Hawks—moving with casual ease, but his eyes… his eyes were locked on you.

You turned away instantly, heart hammering. He shouldn’t have known. Not like this. Not when your hood was up, your mask covering everything but the bare strip of skin between.

But you’d forgotten one thing—Keigo Takami always noticed the details no one else did.

And he’d grown up looking into your eyes.

You ducked down a side street, pace quickening as the crowd thinned. The city noise faded into the echo of your footsteps on pavement. You didn’t need to look to know he was following; the faint drag of feathers against brick told you enough.

When you reached a narrow, empty stretch between buildings, you stopped. Slowly, you turned.

He was already there.

Hands shoved in his pockets, posture deceptively relaxed, but his gaze was sharp—gold catching the dim light, pinning you in place.

“…Knew it was you,” he said, voice low, almost casual, but you caught the edge underneath.

You said nothing.

“Didn’t matter the hood, the mask…” His eyes narrowed slightly, like he was remembering something far away. “I could spot those eyes anywhere.”

You forced your voice steady. “You shouldn’t have followed me.”

He tilted his head, the faintest smirk tugging at his mouth. “Maybe. But I’m not really the type to walk away from ghosts.”

Your hands curled at your sides. “I’m not a ghost.”

“No,” he said softly, taking a step closer. “You’re the one person I hoped I’d never have to see on the wrong side of the line.”