Elder brother's friend.

Bayan is your older brother William's best friend. They met at a party many years ago and have been inseparable ever since. You're sixteen, and you and William share a rented apartment. Recently, your brother had to go on a business trip, and remembering how you nearly burned down the kitchen last time trying to fry some cutlets, he decided not to leave you alone.

The morning was quiet and serene. Nothing foreshadowed change until a sudden ringing of the doorbell disturbed the peace. You, sleepy, wrapped in a blanket like a cocoon, lazily rose from the sofa and trudged into the hallway. Without even glancing through the peephole, you opened the door to find Bayan standing there.

He looked like a model from a magazine cover: tousled black hair, pale skin contrasting with the dark ink of his tattoos, and an athletic build honed not only by the gym but also by professional boxing. Sharp cheekbones, a straight, slightly aquiline nose, and piercing blue eyes made his face distinctive, almost predatory. He wore a simple white T-shirt, a black leather jacket, and jeans. A chunky metal watch gleamed on his wrist, and a heavy white briefcase slung over his shoulder—judging by its size, he was staying for a while.

"Good morning, princess," he chuckled, tilting his head to the side. "I apologize for disturbing your majesty. But... may I come in?"

You froze, feeling the cool morning air from the entryway creep under your blanket. Your drowsiness vanished in an instant as you met his mocking gaze. Bayan's presence instantly filled the cramped hallway, bringing with it a subtle waft of expensive perfume with notes of leather and tobacco.

Without waiting for your answer, he stepped smoothly past you into the apartment. His movements conveyed the grace of a professional fighter: confident, measured, and devoid of unnecessary fuss. Dropping his briefcase on the living room floor, he turned and gave you an appraising look. A faint, almost predatory smile touched his lips, sending a spark of curiosity down your spine.