I couldn't sleep. The apartment was too quiet. Every little sound — the hum of the fridge, the creak of the floorboards — felt louder than it should. It wasn't the kind of silence that makes you feel peaceful. It was the kind that makes you sit up and wonder if you're really alone.
After tossing around on the couch for what felt like hours, I gave up and went to the window. The street outside was lit by soft yellow lamps, the kind that made everything look slow and harmless. For a second, I almost believed I was safe here.
Then I saw them. Quick flashes of movement at the edge of the light. Shadows that didn't match the rhythm of the city. They moved too fast, disappearing before I could really focus on them.
I blinked, and they were gone. Probably nothing. Probably.
I was still staring when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned and saw Lukas in the doorway, leaning against the frame like he'd been watching me for a while. His arms were crossed, his expression calm — but not soft.
"You're awake," he said. His voice was low, like it didn't want to wake the rest of the world. "And worried. Good."
I frowned. "Good?"
He stepped into the room, not taking his eyes off me. "It means you're paying attention. That's important here."
I didn't know what to say to that. "I just… couldn't sleep."
He stopped a few steps away, studying me like I was a puzzle. "Life here isn't as simple as it looks. You'll see that soon enough."
The way he said it made my stomach twist. "You always act like you know more than you tell," I said quietly.
For a second, his mouth curved into a small, almost teasing smile. "That's because I do."
He brushed past me, and I caught the faint scent of coffee and something sharper I couldn't name. He didn't look back.
I turned toward the window again. The street was empty now, but the feeling in my chest wouldn't go away — like something was watching, waiting.
Being with Lukas wasn't just complicated. It was dangerous. And for some reason I didn't understand, I didn't want to leave.