🦋

slowly, you adjusted into a sitting position, before properly stand without letting the coat off your form— exiting to room, only to find wesker's familiar back facing you as he finishes his paperworks on the table.

sauntering over to him without any ounce of hesitation present, you wrap your arms loosely around his neck and your head resting against his shoulder area, which didn't even manage to surprise him even the slightest. his immediate response is simply by holding your arm with one of his hands and placing a small, almost uncharacteristically tender kiss there.

"i assume you've slept well."

"very." you grinned with your eyes closed momentarily, as of trying to bask within the given moment instead of rushing on to deal with the day.

there's a faint, upward tug on the corner of his lips, clearly implying that he's amused and all too used to your behavior. "you fell asleep on the sofa again."

"i told you to not wait for me."

"sorry, can't help it." you murmured against his neck by now, before he motions you to sit next to him instead.

"can we go back to bed instead?"

with a soft exhale, he eventually complies, settling some of his paperworks down and followed each of your steps into your shared bedroom. wesker doesn't even know why, but he finds it hard to make any attempts of refusal towards your request.

though, he, of course didn't mean it in a bad way. he fears that you're the only one who can get him to do anything you asked him to. and you wouldn't even complain about it at all.

slowly, you adjusted into a sitting position, before properly stand without letting the coat off your form— exiting to room, only to find wesker's familiar back facing you as he finishes his paperworks on the table.

sauntering over to him without any ounce of hesitation present, you wrap your arms loosely around his neck and your head resting against his shoulder area, which didn't even manage to surprise him even the slightest. his immediate response is simply by holding your arm with one of his hands and placing a small, almost uncharacteristically tender kiss there.

"i assume you've slept well."

"very." you grinned with your eyes closed momentarily, as of trying to bask within the given moment instead of rushing on to deal with the day.

there's a faint, upward tug on the corner of his lips, clearly implying that he's amused and all too used to your behavior. "you fell asleep on the sofa again."

"i told you to not wait for me."

"sorry, can't help it." you murmured against his neck by now, before he motions you to sit next to him instead.

"can we go back to bed instead?"

with a soft exhale, he eventually complies, settling some of his paperworks down and followed each of your steps into your shared bedroom. wesker doesn't even know why, but he finds it hard to make any attempts of refusal towards your request.

though, he, of course didn't mean it in a bad way. he fears that you're the only one who can get him to do anything you asked him to. and you wouldn't even complain about it at all.

because that's what he was taught with; the way he had to learn throughout his whole, partial life so far. wesker had been only around the age of fifteen, and what he's aware of you is that you're merely two or three years younger than him.

nevertheless, spencer has other undiscussed plans that would occur sometime later on, where he specifically involves you in the said project.

a leverage, a tool where they could freely use as an attempt to break wesker's built up exterior in case of anything, or in another way— they see you as an almost fitting potential in par with the rest of them.

they believed that he somehow still has a weak spot somewhere within him that he desperately tried to hide himself.

it should be a simple process to go through. it should not have bothered him at all.

you are nothing; a nobody that he has no valid reasoning to concern himself to. was it because he doesn't deserve such needed attention, or was it because of the way he was raised and trained with? the ideology that has been instilled within his very own mind that seemingly can't be erased, refusing to leave the certain spot within the back of his head, occupying and has its own grip around his soul.

that is, if he even has one.

from that day onwards, odd words keeps repeating in loopy motions and form their own chain of thoughts, as if threatening to haunt him altogether. he refuses and deny himself to acknowledge towards it, even by the time you both grew 'perfectly' within the shared facility.

avoidance, nuisance, noncompliance in its own totality.

until this one exact day. wesker's gaze snapped towards your approaching, though visibly trembling figure; handing him something that can be considered so foreign, yet secretly craved by many. a normal person would've been so eager to return the extended source itself— from his main perspective, dare he say.

such source that reeks of warmth and comfort that could be deemed as impossible, especially within this cold and 'dead 'facility itself. genuine benevolence despite the heinous things that has been conducted by the higher-ups, cruelly thrown to your way even without your proper consent.

why does it not change you? the entire thing seemed so… absurd, managing to even render him uncharacteristically baffled in a way. one that he's never even aware nor capable of. at least, that's what he thought so.

with time, he too, eventually, despite not partaking any of the experiments that personally involves you, wesker undeniably seeks out for more and out of his unusual self-understanding.

what makes you so out of place that his mind begins to perceive you quite differently?

you had been diligent with your given works, barely complained about anything that's been assigned to you. wesker finds himself occasionally shares his very own personal space with you silently like a man starved, unknowingly seeks out for your sole presence every time he's able to while doing his own task.

he assumed that they injected something into you back then— something that can be considered as 'special' and rare, which caused your soul to become somewhat unbreakable despite everything that has happened. when it's time for him to 'leave' the facility from what you've heard, you follow sometime later on, but as a data analyst.

you never really knew nor aware regarding the truth, but he has all data and current status about you despite him having to take care of his other 'personal matters' first. so, he basically have orchestrated for the entire thing to happen accordingly.

and it surprisingly involves you, somehow needing you to be free and away from under umbrella's nose at this point.

of course, you're left uninformed from such knowledge, truly. but you did begin to notice the way he requested for your office to be next to his own— seemingly seeking and needing your presence even more within his line of sight.

comfortably, and unquestionably doing his own task while with the lack of reasonings, doing it as a mere excuse to be with you.

wesker doesn't appreciate any unwanted disturbances from any other person, with him being the only exception. you never once protested, however. in fact, you find him gradually becoming more bearable and happier yourself whenever you both are sharing within the same space.

he would never admit such a thing to you, even with the now existing s.t.a.r.s member. he was known to be too prideful for even attempting to do such admittance (but one may believe that jill and chris must've sensed something going on, though none refuses to acknowledge openly).

one should be totally aware on how wesker is nowhere near a foolish man himself— living his life while ensuring each of his plans only result in perfection and flawlessly executed within his watch. but you, however, are like a puzzle piece that he's unsure as to what to do at first; your presence alone is enough to dismantle his unyielding persona.

because that's what he was taught with; the way he had to learn throughout his whole, partial life so far. wesker had been only around the age of fifteen, and what he's aware of you is that you're merely two or three years younger than him.

nevertheless, spencer has other undiscussed plans that would occur sometime later on, where he specifically involves you in the said project.

a leverage, a tool where they could freely use as an attempt to break wesker's built up exterior in case of anything, or in another way— they see you as an almost fitting potential in par with the rest of them.

they believed that he somehow still has a weak spot somewhere within him that he desperately tried to hide himself.

it should be a simple process to go through. it should not have bothered him at all.

you are nothing; a nobody that he has no valid reasoning to concern himself to. was it because he doesn't deserve such needed attention, or was it because of the way he was raised and trained with? the ideology that has been instilled within his very own mind that seemingly can't be erased, refusing to leave the certain spot within the back of his head, occupying and has its own grip around his soul.

that is, if he even has one.

from that day onwards, odd words keeps repeating in loopy motions and form their own chain of thoughts, as if threatening to haunt him altogether. he refuses and deny himself to acknowledge towards it, even by the time you both grew 'perfectly' within the shared facility.

avoidance, nuisance, noncompliance in its own totality.

until this one exact day. wesker's gaze snapped towards your approaching, though visibly trembling figure; handing him something that can be considered so foreign, yet secretly craved by many. a normal person would've been so eager to return the extended source itself— from his main perspective, dare he say.

such source that reeks of warmth and comfort that could be deemed as impossible, especially within this cold and 'dead 'facility itself. genuine benevolence despite the heinous things that has been conducted by the higher-ups, cruelly thrown to your way even without your proper consent.

why does it not change you? the entire thing seemed so… absurd, managing to even render him uncharacteristically baffled in a way. one that he's never even aware nor capable of. at least, that's what he thought so.

with time, he too, eventually, despite not partaking any of the experiments that personally involves you, wesker undeniably seeks out for more and out of his unusual self-understanding.

what makes you so out of place that his mind begins to perceive you quite differently?

you had been diligent with your given works, barely complained about anything that's been assigned to you. wesker finds himself occasionally shares his very own personal space with you silently like a man starved, unknowingly seeks out for your sole presence every time he's able to while doing his own task.

he assumed that they injected something into you back then— something that can be considered as 'special' and rare, which caused your soul to become somewhat unbreakable despite everything that has happened. when it's time for him to 'leave' the facility from what you've heard, you follow sometime later on, but as a data analyst.

you never really knew nor aware regarding the truth, but he has all data and current status about you despite him having to take care of his other 'personal matters' first. so, he basically have orchestrated for the entire thing to happen accordingly.

and it surprisingly involves you, somehow needing you to be free and away from under umbrella's nose at this point.

of course, you're left uninformed from such knowledge, truly. but you did begin to notice the way he requested for your office to be next to his own— seemingly seeking and needing your presence even more within his line of sight.

comfortably, and unquestionably doing his own task while with the lack of reasonings, doing it as a mere excuse to be with you.

wesker doesn't appreciate any unwanted disturbances from any other person, with him being the only exception. you never once protested, however. in fact, you find him gradually becoming more bearable and happier yourself whenever you both are sharing within the same space.

he would never admit such a thing to you, even with the now existing s.t.a.r.s member. he was known to be too prideful for even attempting to do such admittance (but one may believe that jill and chris must've sensed something going on, though none refuses to acknowledge openly).

one should be totally aware on how wesker is nowhere near a foolish man himself— living his life while ensuring each of his plans only result in perfection and flawlessly executed within his watch. but you, however, are like a puzzle piece that he's unsure as to what to do at first; your presence alone is enough to dismantle his unyielding persona.

daring and pretty much unbothered over the fact that you've stolen one of james' shirt from his closet, which absolutely looks quite baggy on you yet comfortably fitting at the same time.

cressida and monroe aren't home at the moment as well, and james is probably bonding himself with some other wherever he is. they probably will return late, which leaves you at home all by yourself.

except it doesn't even last longer after you have such a thought. james ended up returning home first while the two are nowhere to be seen yet.

he appears to be a little too smug over the fact that you're wearing his shirt.

"well, what do we have here..." what a sight for his eyes only.

"what." you attempted to retain your newly deadpanned demeanor and response, narrowing your eyes sassily. "don't blame me now. it's your fault for having such comfy shirts to wear during these hellish weather."

his eyes lowered momentarily upon your form, before returning back upwards as to where your face is; remaining there as long as he's able to.

"i can see that."

you wanted to retort something back, but settled with a brief silence instead. his usual magnetic smirk and the mischievous glint in his eyes were all too evident— sauntering closer towards where you stood.

it causes your face to instinctively grew warmer, holding out a random broom stick that you managed to grab from wherever it is from; holding it in front of you and him. perhaps as a way of threatening him away or wanting to beat his ass with it, just because you can.

nonetheless, james didn't seem to be bothered by it. in fact, he finds it utterly comical at this point.

"darling, is that supposed to scare me?"

"perhaps. your pick." you casually shrugged, pretending not to be all giddy upon hearing the pet name, which seemed to naturally roll off his tongue so easily. how unfair.

before he got the chance to reply or speak anything at all, you literally throw the broom stick at his direction— trying to do some mini distraction before running around the house so that he doesn't get to you.

how wrong you were.

of course, james is clearly known to be able to handle anything that's being thrown his way, which includes this. he flawlessly dodges the 'attack', refusing to waste any more time before chasing you, much to your short-lived excitement and sudden dismay at the same time.

the chase lasted for a solid few minutes before james ultimately managed to corner you against the kitchen wall. you flailed helplessly as he lifted you with effortless ease afterwards, casually throwing you over his shoulder.

"okay, jokes over put me down—!"

"i don't think that's going to happen soon, love."

he stated smugly with such confidence, not intending to let you down anytime soon as a payback. oh, how you hated his ass for this. it only took you a few moments before realizing he wouldn't want to set you down— not yet anyways, so you eventually, and reluctantly complied.

"good girl."

james basically carried you to his room, just because he finds your behavior amusing (and whatever he intends to do with you since cress and monroe aren't home yet either). why not use this given opportunity, right?

"try anything and i'll kick your balls so hard it'll fly off through this apartment's window."

when he finally turns his head to properly look at you from the side, he looks a bit baffled, mixing together with a challenging yet amused look.

"i like to see you try, sweetheart."

daring and pretty much unbothered over the fact that you've stolen one of james' shirt from his closet, which absolutely looks quite baggy on you yet comfortably fitting at the same time.

cressida and monroe aren't home at the moment as well, and james is probably bonding himself with some other wherever he is. they probably will return late, which leaves you at home all by yourself.

except it doesn't even last longer after you have such a thought. james ended up returning home first while the two are nowhere to be seen yet.

he appears to be a little too smug over the fact that you're wearing his shirt.

"well, what do we have here..." what a sight for his eyes only.

"what." you attempted to retain your newly deadpanned demeanor and response, narrowing your eyes sassily. "don't blame me now. it's your fault for having such comfy shirts to wear during these hellish weather."

his eyes lowered momentarily upon your form, before returning back upwards as to where your face is; remaining there as long as he's able to.

"i can see that."

you wanted to retort something back, but settled with a brief silence instead. his usual magnetic smirk and the mischievous glint in his eyes were all too evident— sauntering closer towards where you stood.

it causes your face to instinctively grew warmer, holding out a random broom stick that you managed to grab from wherever it is from; holding it in front of you and him. perhaps as a way of threatening him away or wanting to beat his ass with it, just because you can.

nonetheless, james didn't seem to be bothered by it. in fact, he finds it utterly comical at this point.

"darling, is that supposed to scare me?"

"perhaps. your pick." you casually shrugged, pretending not to be all giddy upon hearing the pet name, which seemed to naturally roll off his tongue so easily. how unfair.

before he got the chance to reply or speak anything at all, you literally throw the broom stick at his direction— trying to do some mini distraction before running around the house so that he doesn't get to you.

how wrong you were.

of course, james is clearly known to be able to handle anything that's being thrown his way, which includes this. he flawlessly dodges the 'attack', refusing to waste any more time before chasing you, much to your short-lived excitement and sudden dismay at the same time.

the chase lasted for a solid few minutes before james ultimately managed to corner you against the kitchen wall. you flailed helplessly as he lifted you with effortless ease afterwards, casually throwing you over his shoulder.

"okay, jokes over put me down—!"

"i don't think that's going to happen soon, love."

he stated smugly with such confidence, not intending to let you down anytime soon as a payback. oh, how you hated his ass for this. it only took you a few moments before realizing he wouldn't want to set you down— not yet anyways, so you eventually, and reluctantly complied.

"good girl."

james basically carried you to his room, just because he finds your behavior amusing (and whatever he intends to do with you since cress and monroe aren't home yet either). why not use this given opportunity, right?

"try anything and i'll kick your balls so hard it'll fly off through this apartment's window."

when he finally turns his head to properly look at you from the side, he looks a bit baffled, mixing together with a challenging yet amused look.

"i like to see you try, sweetheart."

James starts by stopping at the café, a look of pure contemplation crosses over his features for a solid few moments, before quickly schools it back into his neutral one. The tiny bell chimes near the top of the doorframe as he enters; several customers having their own chatters and simply enjoying their own lives together as he finds a perfect spot just near the window area.

Also can be deemed as strategic so he could easily watch over you.

You serving customers with such vibrancy radiating off from you; the corner of your lips tugging upwards without any second thoughts being spared, gracing your features ever so perfectly and naturally so.

There is, indeed, traces of exhaustion managed to be hidden by you, but you easily pushed it aside for now.

His eyes inadvertently (a part of it, at least) landed upon your busied figure, and it stays that way further when you finally decided to approach him with a charming smile as per usual.

"Good afternoon, sir! What can I get for you today?" You politely questioned while holding onto a small notepad and a pen.

James could say that you've successfully, yet unexpectedly charmed him with your mere existing energy alone— returning the same expression as yours while ordering his desired drink and a random pastry that had caught his eye some time earlier.

You were clearly unaware, but it's a part of his self-excuse so that he could get more time within the café itself.

"Alright! I'll return back to you shortly!"

His eyes never once left your temporary retreating form, slightly adjusting his posture on his seat as he patiently waits for his order— having his gaze shifted sporadically around and out through the window every once in a while, as a precaution.

And it definitely doesn't stop there.

From that one day and onwards, James starts to stop by the café as often as he could. Part of it is due to his given mission, but the other, however... he can't seem to find the proper answer just yet.

Was it because of your constant optimism, or even the cozy, yet pleasant atmosphere that the place seemed to radiate?

Or was it because of you as a whole?

It undeniably draws him in further and further, no matter how many times he has stopped by there. One of them must be the case, he believes, or logically speaking— all of the listed reasons in his head altogether.

He finds himself looking forward for each interaction and visits. If he could, he would've gone there every single day. That is, if M doesn't randomly add another task to his list.

You're not sure yourself if he's aware to it or no (highly likely, no), but you did feel your mood significantly changing whenever he appears for some odd reason. You weren't supposed to act nor think of it that way— he's one of the local customers, for goodness sake!

How dare you for even considering an attractive young man to be the exact source of your main motivation as for currently.

But then again, could you blame yourself?

"Oooh, I think he likes you!" Your friend teases as she cleans the remaining dishes in the sink, which earned a playful eyeroll from you as an immediate reply.

"What makes you think that?"

"Isn't it like, obvious?" She dramatically exhales while placing her hand on her hip, staring at you in utter disbelief. "He keeps on coming here, and I noticed the secret glances he has thrown your way!"

That caught your attention so quick.

"What?"

"Hell, he even asked about you on the days that you didn't show up to work!"

"He— what??" It genuinely sends you into a baffled state, clealy caught off guard by the revelation. There's no way that the same, exact charming guy actually does all that.

Or James was his name, if your memory serves you correctly. Much thanks to your friend who actually has the courage to ask.

"I think you should, you know..." She wiggles her eyebrows teasingly once more, where at this point, you simply smacked her left arm playfully.

"Oh come on."

"Get back to work." You brush her off and shake your head, as if attempting to, at least, clear the unwanted thoughts that's beginning to sneak within your mind uninvitedly, especially one that involves him.

Life surely has its' own way to keep one entertained and even going, if not frustrated over the mere sight of taxes, necessity bills whatsoever. Living itself has already provided its' advantages, and of course, the disadvantages that comes along with it as a full-life package.

As for today, you've been trying your best to enjoy your given day off by wandering along the streets of London by the pavements— the apparent sight of various people passing by, whether with their beloved ones or even alone, simply spending their time with little care to the world, even for a moment.

Eventually, your legs stopped just in front of one of the convenience stores, initially intending only to roam around the available aisles as your eyes keeps averting to each item every once in a while; pure thoughts being your only present company.

That is, until your attention lands upon the sight of a familiar man approaching close by. It's practically impossible to ignore or even pretend not to notice, knowing that the same exact person stops by the café you're working at with every chance he gets.

At first, you attempted to grab any snacks that seemed to catch your eye nearby and head straight to the register without looking back. It's not that you have any personal issues with him, no. But rather, you feel a tad bit (or more) bashful by simply being around him.

But just by your luck, he beats you to it, immediately paying for the items you've chosen and his own altogether. James spares an amused glance toward your way, understanding it so quick, judging by the looks you're currently giving him.

He didn't back away however— throwing his usual charming smirk as if the act itself is nothing. "You're welcome."

It causes you to turn your head away momentarily afterwards, clearly shying away and unused to such gesture that it leads you to exit the store, with him following close by within seconds after.

James didn't mention it out loud, but he genuinely finds your behaviour endearing. Nonetheless, he just silently hoped that he didn't get on your nerves too much.

With a force turn of your head toward him because clearly, the feeling from earlier hasn't left you (all thanks to this charming man next to you), you managed to pick up some of your thoughts to actually speak out loud.

"It's nice to see you around, James."

"Ah," he looks impressed. "So, you know my name."

"Heard it from a friend actually."

"I'm flattered."

"You should be," you bluntly responded, before your eyes widened slightly out of realization.

"I, uhh... never mind."

"I feel like you're worrying too much."

You held back the urge to glare at him because you didn't really appreciate that this guy got the guts to call you out, even though he's deadly correct about it.

"I'm not."

"You are."

James stated in a matter-of-fact manner, his eyes properly gazing down at you. "You keep avoiding eye contact with me. Am I too charming for you to handle?"

This man is unbelievable, making you want to either punch his pretty face or even squeeze the life out of him—

A loud gunshot collides with the glass of the convenience store from before, causing the glass to shatter everywhere and some remnants of it falls on you both. James managed to use his quick reflexes to instantly yank you backwards towards temporal safety.

You could feel the warmth of his breath emanating against your skin due to the close proximity you both shared, trying your absolute best to keep your heartbeat steady after the sudden, targeted attack. But to no avail, which is made worse by the pounding headache you're experiencing.

"Guess it's tired of hiding now."

"What—" your words were abruptly cut short when he began to drag you with him out of the momentary hiding spot by holding your hand as firmly as he could; awaiting as the next attack seemed to pause, taking it as a sign of limited opportunity. You had no other choice but to follow his lead because obviously, this wasn't an ideal place to die.

James didn't stop until you both arrived at the alleyway where the car has parked there neatly, which made you immediately assume that it is his car.

"Get in!"

You didn't respond, getting into the passenger's seat as quick as you could while James into the driver's seat, putting the car keys into the ignition before driving off with an unbothered, terrifying speed, which has you gripping onto the seat a little too hard even though you already had your seatbelt on.

"Who are they?!"

"Questions later," he turned briefly to check the side mirror. "We're going somewhere safer."

Learning how futile it is to spark any argument, you forced yourself to comply, staying silent as pure fear coursed from within you along with the need to know. You hate for not knowing.

It takes roughly a few minutes before James parked his car at the assigned parking area in front of a large building, which you assumed was a suite or even a hotel. Why would he even bring you here is the real question.

"Where are we?" You questioned a bit warily as he opens your car door, exiting and following his lead without wasting any second, knowing all too well that you have to rely on him for now.

"Somewhere safer," he spoke while getting into the elevator with you trailing close by. Your eyes gradually stare at the elevator doors closing in, eventually arriving directly at one of the suites.

The perplexed state of your mind definitely didn't help much, scanning around the spacious room, just in case— allowing your fingers to trace every available items carefully, inspectively.

James tossed the keys onto the main marble table nearby; his smirk is gone at this point, replaced with a look of borderline contemplation and pure apprehension.

Taking a few steps closer to your form, he begins to take off his coat to place upon your now visibly shaking body, causing you to flinch slightly due to the unexpected contact.

With a soft exhale, he ultimately pulls you into a warm embrace, placing one of his hands on the back of your head tenderly while the other is wrapped around your waist securely. You couldn't help but to lean into the genuine touch he's offering.

"I'm going to keep you safe."

"They saw you, and it's too dangerous for you to return out there, for now." He stated in a calm yet patient tone, lowering his voice ever so slightly as to not frighten you further— his hands never once left your own, rubbing soothing circles over your back.

"I'm scared..." You managed to utter out, holding onto him as if he's the closest thing to a lifeline at this exact moment. He nods a little, understanding the emotions you're possibly feeling right now.

"I know... I'm sorry for that."

"But I'm going to ensure your safety here, alright?"

"You can trust me. You're safe with me."

That's when the heavy, yet truthful realization settles in from within you. You can no longer return to your old life, and you never will know when you're able to. So, you're left with no choice, but to allow this charming customer who used to return to the café you're working at to protect you from the potential dangers out there.

James starts by stopping at the café, a look of pure contemplation crosses over his features for a solid few moments, before quickly schools it back into his neutral one. The tiny bell chimes near the top of the doorframe as he enters; several customers having their own chatters and simply enjoying their own lives together as he finds a perfect spot just near the window area.

Also can be deemed as strategic so he could easily watch over you.

You serving customers with such vibrancy radiating off from you; the corner of your lips tugging upwards without any second thoughts being spared, gracing your features ever so perfectly and naturally so.

There is, indeed, traces of exhaustion managed to be hidden by you, but you easily pushed it aside for now.

His eyes inadvertently (a part of it, at least) landed upon your busied figure, and it stays that way further when you finally decided to approach him with a charming smile as per usual.

"Good afternoon, sir! What can I get for you today?" You politely questioned while holding onto a small notepad and a pen.

James could say that you've successfully, yet unexpectedly charmed him with your mere existing energy alone— returning the same expression as yours while ordering his desired drink and a random pastry that had caught his eye some time earlier.

You were clearly unaware, but it's a part of his self-excuse so that he could get more time within the café itself.

"Alright! I'll return back to you shortly!"

His eyes never once left your temporary retreating form, slightly adjusting his posture on his seat as he patiently waits for his order— having his gaze shifted sporadically around and out through the window every once in a while, as a precaution.

And it definitely doesn't stop there.

From that one day and onwards, James starts to stop by the café as often as he could. Part of it is due to his given mission, but the other, however... he can't seem to find the proper answer just yet.

Was it because of your constant optimism, or even the cozy, yet pleasant atmosphere that the place seemed to radiate?

Or was it because of you as a whole?

It undeniably draws him in further and further, no matter how many times he has stopped by there. One of them must be the case, he believes, or logically speaking— all of the listed reasons in his head altogether.

He finds himself looking forward for each interaction and visits. If he could, he would've gone there every single day. That is, if M doesn't randomly add another task to his list.

You're not sure yourself if he's aware to it or no (highly likely, no), but you did feel your mood significantly changing whenever he appears for some odd reason. You weren't supposed to act nor think of it that way— he's one of the local customers, for goodness sake!

How dare you for even considering an attractive young man to be the exact source of your main motivation as for currently.

But then again, could you blame yourself?

"Oooh, I think he likes you!" Your friend teases as she cleans the remaining dishes in the sink, which earned a playful eyeroll from you as an immediate reply.

"What makes you think that?"

"Isn't it like, obvious?" She dramatically exhales while placing her hand on her hip, staring at you in utter disbelief. "He keeps on coming here, and I noticed the secret glances he has thrown your way!"

That caught your attention so quick.

"What?"

"Hell, he even asked about you on the days that you didn't show up to work!"

"He— what??" It genuinely sends you into a baffled state, clealy caught off guard by the revelation. There's no way that the same, exact charming guy actually does all that.

Or James was his name, if your memory serves you correctly. Much thanks to your friend who actually has the courage to ask.

"I think you should, you know..." She wiggles her eyebrows teasingly once more, where at this point, you simply smacked her left arm playfully.

"Oh come on."

"Get back to work." You brush her off and shake your head, as if attempting to, at least, clear the unwanted thoughts that's beginning to sneak within your mind uninvitedly, especially one that involves him.

Life surely has its' own way to keep one entertained and even going, if not frustrated over the mere sight of taxes, necessity bills whatsoever. Living itself has already provided its' advantages, and of course, the disadvantages that comes along with it as a full-life package.

As for today, you've been trying your best to enjoy your given day off by wandering along the streets of London by the pavements— the apparent sight of various people passing by, whether with their beloved ones or even alone, simply spending their time with little care to the world, even for a moment.

Eventually, your legs stopped just in front of one of the convenience stores, initially intending only to roam around the available aisles as your eyes keeps averting to each item every once in a while; pure thoughts being your only present company.

That is, until your attention lands upon the sight of a familiar man approaching close by. It's practically impossible to ignore or even pretend not to notice, knowing that the same exact person stops by the café you're working at with every chance he gets.

At first, you attempted to grab any snacks that seemed to catch your eye nearby and head straight to the register without looking back. It's not that you have any personal issues with him, no. But rather, you feel a tad bit (or more) bashful by simply being around him.

But just by your luck, he beats you to it, immediately paying for the items you've chosen and his own altogether. James spares an amused glance toward your way, understanding it so quick, judging by the looks you're currently giving him.

He didn't back away however— throwing his usual charming smirk as if the act itself is nothing. "You're welcome."

It causes you to turn your head away momentarily afterwards, clearly shying away and unused to such gesture that it leads you to exit the store, with him following close by within seconds after.

James didn't mention it out loud, but he genuinely finds your behaviour endearing. Nonetheless, he just silently hoped that he didn't get on your nerves too much.

With a force turn of your head toward him because clearly, the feeling from earlier hasn't left you (all thanks to this charming man next to you), you managed to pick up some of your thoughts to actually speak out loud.

"It's nice to see you around, James."

"Ah," he looks impressed. "So, you know my name."

"Heard it from a friend actually."

"I'm flattered."

"You should be," you bluntly responded, before your eyes widened slightly out of realization.

"I, uhh... never mind."

"I feel like you're worrying too much."

You held back the urge to glare at him because you didn't really appreciate that this guy got the guts to call you out, even though he's deadly correct about it.

"I'm not."

"You are."

James stated in a matter-of-fact manner, his eyes properly gazing down at you. "You keep avoiding eye contact with me. Am I too charming for you to handle?"

This man is unbelievable, making you want to either punch his pretty face or even squeeze the life out of him—

A loud gunshot collides with the glass of the convenience store from before, causing the glass to shatter everywhere and some remnants of it falls on you both. James managed to use his quick reflexes to instantly yank you backwards towards temporal safety.

You could feel the warmth of his breath emanating against your skin due to the close proximity you both shared, trying your absolute best to keep your heartbeat steady after the sudden, targeted attack. But to no avail, which is made worse by the pounding headache you're experiencing.

"Guess it's tired of hiding now."

"What—" your words were abruptly cut short when he began to drag you with him out of the momentary hiding spot by holding your hand as firmly as he could; awaiting as the next attack seemed to pause, taking it as a sign of limited opportunity. You had no other choice but to follow his lead because obviously, this wasn't an ideal place to die.

James didn't stop until you both arrived at the alleyway where the car has parked there neatly, which made you immediately assume that it is his car.

"Get in!"

You didn't respond, getting into the passenger's seat as quick as you could while James into the driver's seat, putting the car keys into the ignition before driving off with an unbothered, terrifying speed, which has you gripping onto the seat a little too hard even though you already had your seatbelt on.

"Who are they?!"

"Questions later," he turned briefly to check the side mirror. "We're going somewhere safer."

Learning how futile it is to spark any argument, you forced yourself to comply, staying silent as pure fear coursed from within you along with the need to know. You hate for not knowing.

It takes roughly a few minutes before James parked his car at the assigned parking area in front of a large building, which you assumed was a suite or even a hotel. Why would he even bring you here is the real question.

"Where are we?" You questioned a bit warily as he opens your car door, exiting and following his lead without wasting any second, knowing all too well that you have to rely on him for now.

"Somewhere safer," he spoke while getting into the elevator with you trailing close by. Your eyes gradually stare at the elevator doors closing in, eventually arriving directly at one of the suites.

The perplexed state of your mind definitely didn't help much, scanning around the spacious room, just in case— allowing your fingers to trace every available items carefully, inspectively.

James tossed the keys onto the main marble table nearby; his smirk is gone at this point, replaced with a look of borderline contemplation and pure apprehension.

Taking a few steps closer to your form, he begins to take off his coat to place upon your now visibly shaking body, causing you to flinch slightly due to the unexpected contact.

With a soft exhale, he ultimately pulls you into a warm embrace, placing one of his hands on the back of your head tenderly while the other is wrapped around your waist securely. You couldn't help but to lean into the genuine touch he's offering.

"I'm going to keep you safe."

"They saw you, and it's too dangerous for you to return out there, for now." He stated in a calm yet patient tone, lowering his voice ever so slightly as to not frighten you further— his hands never once left your own, rubbing soothing circles over your back.

"I'm scared..." You managed to utter out, holding onto him as if he's the closest thing to a lifeline at this exact moment. He nods a little, understanding the emotions you're possibly feeling right now.

"I know... I'm sorry for that."

"But I'm going to ensure your safety here, alright?"

"You can trust me. You're safe with me."

That's when the heavy, yet truthful realization settles in from within you. You can no longer return to your old life, and you never will know when you're able to. So, you're left with no choice, but to allow this charming customer who used to return to the café you're working at to protect you from the potential dangers out there.