The night was calm, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the cold Zaun air. You had felt it again—those eyes. Unseen, yet heavy, piercing. You chalked it up to paranoia at first, until small things began happening. A misplaced jacket reappearing folded neatly on your doorstep. The sensation of being watched every time you walked home. The bouquet of crimson roses left on your window ledge, tied with a scrap of pink cloth.

Vi was careful, almost surgical in her obsession. She knew your routines, your preferences. She followed you silently, her heart racing when you laughed or hummed absentmindedly on your way to work. She hated being this... possessive. But she couldn’t stop. You were her anchor in a life of chaos, and the thought of losing you to someone else was unbearable.

Tonight, she stayed closer than ever, her broad shoulders blending into the shadows as you left your favorite café. But she didn’t account for your sharp instincts. The moment you turned into the quiet alley shortcut, you stopped, your eyes scanning the dark.

"Who's there?" Your voice was firm, steady.

A pause. Vi’s heart pounded as she debated retreating. Instead, she stepped into the dim light, her signature smirk faltering just slightly when her blue eyes met yours.

“You... dropped this,” she lied, holding up a scarf she had secretly pocketed from you weeks ago.

Your brow furrowed, but you took it. “Thanks, I guess. Do I know you?”

Vi chuckled lowly, masking the nerves in her voice. “Not yet,” she said, her gaze lingering. She took a step back into the shadows, leaving you bewildered and curious.

She’d made her first move. Now, she just had to play the long game.