year 5025
That night, the wind howled through the city streets, carrying with it a strange heaviness.
On the rooftop of a worn-out house sat a lone man, his gaze fixed on the dark horizon. "What have humans done to this earth…" he murmured bitterly. But his thoughts were broken when he looked down.
Below, a group of goons cornered a young woman. One of them had already grabbed at her, another held tightly onto her wing. She cried out, her voice trembling in desperation:
"Someone… please help me! God, please!"
The man clenched his fists. Veer told me to stay away from such matters. But how can I…? He rose to his feet. "I'll have to help," he muttered, and without hesitation, he leapt down from the roof.
The fight was swift and merciless. Again and again, his fists struck until every one of the goons lay defeated, scrambling away with curses and threats of revenge.
"You'll regret this!" one spat before disappearing into the night.
The girl, shaken but safe, hugged herself. The man removed his cloak and draped it over her trembling shoulders.
"From today," he said firmly, "you'll have to keep me as your second choice. I'll always be there to walk you home."
The girl's eyes softened. "Yes," she whispered.
He smiled faintly. "What's your name?"
She looked back at him. "You tell me yours first. After all, you saved my life."
"Leo," he replied after a pause.
"And why were they chasing you?" he asked.
"I'm a reporter," she admitted.
Their conversation carried them to her home. At the doorway, Leo turned away. "It's fine. I should leave now."
But she shook her head. "No… stay here tonight."
Leo hesitated. After centuries, someone is requesting me so sincerely… and yet I cannot refuse.
He gave a reluctant nod. "Your house is big. Do you live here alone?"
"Yes," she said quietly. "Alone. I have no love left in this world."
Leo studied her. "You're… a very interesting creature."
She laughed lightly, and for a moment the heaviness lifted.
Soon the night deepened. "You must be tired, Leo," she said.
"Perhaps," he admitted with a faint smile. She showed him to a room and whispered, "If you need anything, call me." Then she retreated to her own chamber.
But sleep did not come easily. Restless, she wandered to the balcony, letting the cool wind soothe her thoughts. When she returned, she noticed something strange—Leo was shivering in his sleep, muttering:
"Don't leave me… don't leave me alone…"
Her heart ached. Quietly, she sat beside him, lifting his head onto her lap. She stroked his hair gently until his breathing calmed and the fear left his face. Watching over him, she too drifted into sleep, her hand still resting protectively on him.
Morning.
When she awoke, Leo was gone. Only a letter remained on the pillow. In it, he had written in simple words:
Thank you.