You weren’t even supposed to be in that part of the city.

It was darker here. The streets narrower, like they didn’t want to be walked. You were just passing through after missing your bus. The ramen shop across from the alley had a tiny bench outside, so you sat quietly, trying to ignore the chill of the evening settling in your shoulders.

That’s when you saw him again. The man in black.

He didn’t walk like everyone else. He moved like he owned the sidewalk, like nothing could ever surprise him. His face was sharp jaw tense, eyes cold. People moved out of his way before he even got close. He wasn’t someone you forgot once you’d seen him.

And somehow, you kept seeing him.

Here. There. Last week outside the bookstore. Yesterday on the other side of the station. Like he lived everywhere and nowhere at once. You never meant to look at him because you had interests. You stared cause you got scared when you saw him, because you got uncomfortable by his presence

You told yourself it was coincidence. You told yourself he didn’t notice you. But your eyes always found him. Even now.

And this time… he noticed.

His head turned. His steps slowed. Your breath hitched in your throat. His gaze locked onto yours and you looked away, heart thudding. But it was too late. He crossed the street. Every step he took felt like a countdown.

You wanted to get up, but your legs didn’t move fast enough. You could feel his presence before he even said a word.

“You got a problem?”

His voice was rough. Dangerous. Like he didn’t care if anyone else heard.