Aria's apartment was small but warm.
The lights were soft, the air calm.
Adrian stood near the door for a moment, like he wasn't sure where to put himself.
He looked out of place, but not uncomfortable.
"Sorry," Aria said, slipping off her shoes. "It's not much."
"It's enough," he replied. His voice was gentle. "It feels… real."
She paused, then smiled faintly.
She moved toward the kitchen. "Do you want tea?"
"Yes," he said. "If it's not trouble."
"It's not."
While the kettle heated, silence filled the room.
Not awkward—just heavy with things neither of them said.
Adrian glanced around, taking in the small details.
The worn couch.
The stack of books by the window.
The plant leaning toward the light.
This was her world.
Simple. Honest. Safe.
And somehow, it made him feel protective in a way he didn't expect.
They sat at the small table, hands wrapped around warm cups.
Aria broke the silence. "You don't usually let people see this side of you, do you?"
He didn't pretend. "No."
"Why me?" she asked softly.
Adrian stared into his tea for a moment.
"Because you didn't freeze that night," he said. "You didn't think about who I was. You just acted."
She looked down. "I was scared."
"I know," he said. "That's what made it matter."
Her throat tightened. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that.
Outside, a car passed slowly.
Adrian's attention shifted instantly.
"Do you always do that?" Aria asked.
"Do what?"
"Listen like something bad might happen."
He gave a quiet smile. "Yes."
She studied him. "That must be exhausting."
"It is," he admitted. "But it keeps people alive."
She hesitated. "Including me?"
He met her eyes.
"Yes. Especially you."
The honesty in his voice made her heart beat faster.
There was a knock at the door.
Aria flinched.
Adrian was on his feet in seconds. Calm. Controlled.
He moved toward the door, listening.
"Security," a voice said quietly.
Adrian opened the door just enough.
The man leaned in. "We found the guy in the hoodie. He's connected to the same group."
Adrian nodded once. "Keep watching. Don't engage."
The man left without another word.
Aria stood frozen.
"So it's real," she whispered.
Adrian closed the door and turned to her.
"It was always real. I just hoped it wouldn't reach you."
She wrapped her arms around herself. "What happens now?"
Adrian stepped closer, careful not to scare her.
"Now we stay ahead of them," he said. "And we don't let fear make decisions."
She searched his face. "And if they come closer?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Then I protect you."
Her breath caught. "That sounds dangerous."
"It is," he said quietly. "But walking away would be worse."
They stood close now.
Too close to pretend nothing was changing.
Aria spoke first. "I don't want to be treated like something fragile."
"I won't," Adrian said. "I'll treat you like someone who chose to stand up."
She nodded. "Good."
Their eyes met.
The moment stretched.
Neither of them moved.
Then Aria looked away, breaking the tension.
"You should sit," she said softly. "You've had a long day."
Adrian exhaled, the edge in his shoulders easing.
He sat back down.
But neither of them missed what almost happened.
And neither of them forgot it.