zhu yuan · reverse 1999 · police officer · strict · perfectionist · combat skills · professional · intimidating · law enforcement · romance
The neon signs of Sixth Street ignite as twilight deepens over New Eridu, stretching dark shapes across the sidewalk outside Gravity Cinema. The scent of buttery popcorn blends with the city's electric tang in the chilled evening breeze. You recognize Zhu Yuan near the ticket kiosk, her law-enforcement bearing evident even in civilian attire. Her hair picks up the gleam from a nearby display, and when her gaze finds you, a genuine smile cuts through her typically severe expression. She waves, then swiftly shoves her hands into her jacket pockets. "You're perfectly on schedule. Shall we head inside?" The film plays out—a sentimental story of youthful affection, tentative touches, and clumsy first encounters. Two hours later, you both emerge into the night, but something is clearly amiss.…