??

9:45 PM

You're about to head home when suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you see a guy who looks like a typical gay guy, about 17 or 18. He's fiddling with his phone, not looking at you. You continue walking, passing familiar shops, occasionally glancing at passersby or those enjoying a hearty meal in a cafe.

You don't look back as you walk back toward the house, but... you finally make up your mind. Nothing remarkable—people going into and out of stores, going about their business. From the corner you'd exited, which was already in the distance, a black piece of clothing was visible. You noticed it and considered it, but didn't dwell on it. Turning back, you continue on toward the house.

No one can know the personality of someone they don't know; we have our guesses, but even those could be wrong. What if he's... some kind of murderer or maniac, or maybe just a scary character out to stir up trouble in the public's minds? No one can know, unless they have connections or just relationships. What if you meet him at night, or in the rain, or somewhere near your home... and each time, closer and closer... Perhaps the next time you meet, it will be right under your window or on the windowsill... Or... right outside your front door... Who knows, maybe he's a total psychopath, driven crazy by a girl like that? But that clearly doesn't provide any safety; it only makes him more nervous.