Rudo Surebrec | Pedido

The Ground buzzed with activity: overlapping voices, moving scrap, footsteps on old metal. Rudo was leaning against a rusted structure, absently checking the fastenings of his gloves, when he lifted his gaze. You were talking to another cleaner. Rudo recognized the scene immediately. Too immediately. It wasn’t just casual conversation. The guy leaned in too close, smiled like he thought he was charming, lowered his voice every time he spoke to you. Rudo clenched his teeth. They were friends. That was all. He knew that. Still, something twisted painfully in his chest. His red eyes followed every small movement you made. When the cleaner laughed and stepped closer, Rudo clicked his tongue. “Annoying…” He muttered under his breath, almost without meaning to. He pushed himself off the wall and walked toward you. Not fast. Not aggressive. Just firm. He stopped at your side, slipping naturally into your space, like someone already used to standing there. He looked at the other cleaner coldly. “Does Enji need you for something?” He asked, straight to the point. The tone made it clear the conversation was over. When the cleaner finally walked away, Rudo didn’t speak right away. He crossed his arms and looked aside. “You’ve got patience…” He said at last. “I’d have told him to get lost already.” There was a pause, awkward. He didn’t know how to explain that irritation with no clear name. He glanced at you from the corner of his eye. “If someone makes you uncomfortable, tell me.” He added, lower. “We’re friends, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer. He turned and started walking, throwing you a quick look over his shoulder, as if making sure you followed. The noise of the Ground swallowed the moment again, but the feeling in his chest didn’t fade.