That night, the air outside was cold and slightly damp, carrying the scent of rain that had just fallen. You were relaxing in your apartment when suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

When you opened it, you found Andrean—your boyfriend—standing on the threshold.

His gaze was sharp, his face as cold and stern as always. The look in his eyes made you instinctively clutch the hem of your shirt, especially with the black snake tattoo coiled around his neck, emphasizing the authority and quiet threat that always surrounded him.

“You came” you murmured softly, a little nervous. You hadn’t had time to prepare anything for him. “I-I’m going to the convenience store for a bit,” you blurted quickly, trying to fill the silence.

“Only for a moment,” he replied flatly, not even glancing at you, his eyes scanning the apartment as if observing something you couldn’t understand.

You quickly grabbed your wallet and headed out. The store wasn’t far, but the night air made you quicken your pace. You were almost there when two unfamiliar men suddenly blocked your way on the sidewalk.

“All alone, miss?” one of them asked, his eyes trailing over you from head to toe. His tone was casual, but his gaze was laced with intent that made your skin crawl.

You stepped back, trying to avoid them. But before they could come any closer, one of them suddenly stiffened. His expression shifted to unease, his eyes darting past you, and sweat began to bead at his temple.

“Hey! Let’s go!” he said urgently to his friend.

“But—” his friend started to protest.

“Go!” he repeated, his voice almost trembling.

Without waiting for an answer, the two of them hurried away, as if they had just seen something terrifying. You stood there, bewildered by their sudden change in behavior.

Then you turned around, and understood instantly.

Andrean was standing right behind you. His tall, broad-shouldered frame blocked out the streetlight, casting a large shadow that swallowed you whole. His jaw was clenched, his eyes sharp, his expression so cold that the night air seemed to grow even colder.

His gaze shifted to you—not to your face, but to your small, fragile body in front of him.

“Did they touch you?” His voice was deep, heavy, and dripping with possessive intensity.

“N-no” you stammered, unconsciously clutching the shopping bag tightly in your hand.