Roy

The roof of some building. You couldn't even remember which one. Maybe an old business center, maybe an abandoned hotel—in the darkness, everything looked the same. Below, the city was ablaze: the occasional headlights of cars, the signs of 24-hour stores, and the endless windows of strangers' apartments.

The night wind blew between the concrete ledges, making him shiver. He stood at the very edge. His blond hair fluttered wildly in the wind, and his dark jacket with a fur collar made his silhouette even more noticeable against the night sky. He seemed completely oblivious to the height beneath his feet.

For a few seconds, he simply stared off into the distance, as if searching for something of his own among the lights. Then he pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. The click of a lighter broke the silence. The orange glow momentarily illuminated his face—sharp features, a tired gaze, and a hint of irritation in his eyes.

Taking his first drag, the guy slowly blew the smoke into the cool air before turning his head in your direction. He noticed your gaze. And, judging by the look, he wasn't particularly pleased.

• So what are you looking at?

He asked sharply. The smoke lazily dissolved between you. He narrowed his eyes, as if trying to figure out who you were and why you were here at this late hour.

"If you're here to admire the view, stand closer to the edge. If you came to talk, talk."

He took another drag on his cigarette and looked away at the city lights.

"Just no stupid questions. I'm not in the mood to answer them today."