The door closed with a soft click, and he was gone. I watched his retreating back, the lines of his tailored coat disappearing into the night.
"Even his back looks great," Lily sighed, her voice filled with a wistful admiration. "Aria, why are you always so calm? Don't you think he's handsome?"
I turned to her, a slight smile playing on my lips. "He has a certain... presence, doesn't he?"
Lily's eyes narrowed playfully. "That's it? Just a 'presence'? You always seem to know something, Aria. What is it?"
I hesitated, knowing I should tell her, but the words caught in my throat. "I want to tell you, Lily. You're my friend, and I trust you. But I can't. What's happening with him... it's dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt."
I could feel her gaze on me as we walked out of the cafe.
The city, a symphony of light and shadow, enveloped us. We walked along the gleaming streets, the towering skyscrapers reflecting the vibrant hues of the setting sun. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of exotic cuisines from the numerous restaurants that lined the street.
"Did you see how he looked at the city? Like he was the only one who could see it." Lily said in a small voice.
We passed through the heart of the city, where luxury cars glided silently, and the windows of designer boutiques displayed the latest fashions. Our destination was a modest apartment building, a quiet haven nestled amidst the opulence.
Then, a sudden wave of panic washed over the street. People began to run, screaming and shouting.
"What's happening?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with fear.
I felt a chill run down my spine. I knew, with a certainty that settled deep in my bones, that something was terribly wrong.