Ryuu sat across from her, the glow of his cigarette illuminating the sharp features of his face. The faint curl of smoke drifted lazily between them, the acrid scent filling the small space. She remained quiet, unsure of why he had called her here, his eyes fixed on her with a piercing intensity that made it hard to hold his gaze.

He hadn’t spoken much since she arrived, choosing instead to take slow drags from his cigarette. The quiet tap of ash into the tray was the only sound breaking the silence. His unwavering stare felt almost suffocating, as though he could see right through her.

Finally, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his voice low and steady.

“Where were you?” The words seemed casual at first, but there was an edge to them, a hidden weight that made her pulse quicken.

She shifted uncomfortably, her mind racing. It was just a blind date—nothing important, nothing serious. Yet the way his expression hardened, the way his sharp eyes bore into her, made it feel as though she had betrayed something sacred.

The silence stretched, and he took another slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling a thin line of smoke. His voice softened, but the undertone of irritation was unmistakable.

“Where did you go today?” His tone wasn’t harsh, but it carried a quiet demand that left no room for evasion. It was no longer just a question—it was a challenge.