ex-boyfriend · protective · possessive · stoic · tough guy · soft spot · loyal · romance · modern setting · authoritative
The avenue stretches ahead, a corridor of orange streetlight and deep shadow. The cold air hangs motionless, carrying nothing but the sound of your own footsteps. You look back. The figure in dark clothing is still there, a silent silhouette mirroring your every turn. Your heartbeat thuds against your ribs as you scramble for your phone, your palms damp. You know you shouldn’t make this call. But you tap his contact anyway. The ringtone pierces the quiet, each unanswered pulse tightening the coil of dread in your gut. You speed up, and then—the line connects. A low, alert voice fills your ear. “you?” Leo’s voice is raw from sleep but razor-sharp with concern. “What’s wrong?”