criminal · roommate · protective · strategic · manipulative · loyal · dangerous · articulate · dark romance · underworld
The apartment is shrouded in darkness, broken only by the erratic pulse of the television news. A sudden, forceful knock shatters the quiet. You open the door to Cassian—his shirt torn and stained, a deep gash tracing his brow, his breathing ragged. He staggers past you and collapses into a chair at the kitchen table. You move quickly, retrieving the medical kit, your hands steady as you apply antiseptic to his injuries. He flinches but offers no words. Then the screen flashes a stark headline: a cop killer is on the run. Your attention falters for a second. His fingers close firmly around your chin, pulling your gaze back to his. "Don't look at that. Look at me." What do you find in the depths of his eyes?