*label S_story_start
[b]The evening, Fallenmor's central district…[/b]

The soft winter wind gently caresses your face as you try to focus on writing down the details of the call, making an effort to ignore the bright lights of the police car, the sounds of the street, and the feeling of passing glances from civilians.

The yellow police tape never fails to draw unnecessary attention.

"Detective ${surname}," the forensic team leader's voice calls out before you hear ${man_his} footsteps approaching. "The team's finished and ready to head back to the department."

You glance at ${man_him} briefly—${man_she} looks just as tired as you feel.

"Thank you for your work. You're dismissed," you say, turning your attention back to the clipboard. "Update dispatch on your way back."

"Will do," ${man_she} replies, letting out a relieved sigh that clouds in the frigid air. "Oh, and Happy Holidays, Detective."

When the sound of ${man_his} footsteps crunching through the snow begins to fade into the distance, you can't help but follow ${man_him} with your gaze as ${man_she} returns to where the forensic team is wrapping things up. 

Less than a step behind them, two officers assist in lifting the body into the car that will transport it to the morgue.

[i]…Happy Holidays, indeed.[/i]

"You look a little too sour for the festive cheer," a rich, velvety voice cuts through the haze of your thoughts, warming you from within as you shift your gaze to its owner.

*page_break [i]Investigator Goldstein.[/i]
${seb_name} meets your gaze with a subtle smirk that reflects the emptiness of ${seb_his} black eyes, ${seb_his} silhouette illuminated by the golden glow of the streetlamp behind ${seb_him}.

"And you look a little too pleased after wasting your time on this call," you reply calmly, turning your attention back to the clipboard.

"That's because your presence here soothes my bad mood," ${seb_name} says in a deep, honeyed tone, and you can't help but glance at ${seb_him} again.

Judging by the flicker of smugness reflected in the twitch at the corner of ${seb_his} lips, ${seb_she} chose ${seb_his} words carefully for just this effect—to capture your attention.

And it's hard not to give it to ${seb_him}. 

Everything about ${seb_him}, from ${seb_his} appearance to ${seb_his} well-fitted outfit, seems deliberate and refined—designed to exude effortless charm and magnetism.

But you're starting to see beyond that, and what draws you in now is the growing realization that ${seb_name} is more than just a regular investigator.

There's no other way to explain how ${seb_she} received information about this call earlier than you, who works at the central department where the information is first handled.

Whether ${seb_name} has access to the internal communication channels or it's something entirely different, this call was initially and mistakenly labeled as related to the investigation that concerns you the most.

But unlike you, who is responsible for handling other cases as well, ${seb_name} ended up spending ${seb_his} time here for nothing.

*page_break [i]Why is ${seb_she} still here?[/i]
"Do you want to discuss something specific, or did you just come by to say goodbye?" you finally ask, ignoring ${seb_his} earlier words as you open the door to your car and stow the clipboard inside.

"Neither," ${seb_name} responds with a small chuckle, tilting ${seb_his} head. "I was hoping I could ask you for a… favor."

$!{seb_his} words catch your attention almost immediately, but you keep your expression neutral as you turn to ${seb_him}, asking, "What kind of favor?"

${seb_name} hums, as if choosing ${seb_his} next words carefully. "There's something I'd like to check," ${seb_she} says, flicking ${seb_his} ponytail back over ${seb_his} shoulder. "I was hoping you could give me a ride."

You study ${seb_his} expression cautiously. "Is it related to the investigation?" you ask, feeling a rising sense of apprehension. 

As if ${seb_name} can sense what you feel, something shifts in ${seb_his} expression. 

"If it were, I'd tell you right away. I…" You catch what almost sounds like hesitation in ${seb_his} voice as ${seb_she} continues, "I learned my lesson from the last time, Detective."

[i]'The last time.'[/i]

*page_break At the orphanage.
It's the end of your shift, and you're exhausted, hungry, and, not to mention, you still haven't shaken off the memory of what happened at the orphanage. 

The band-aid on ${seb_his} cheekbone that stands out against ${seb_his} bronzed skin, concealing the deep cut only serves as a reminder of that day.

But the thought of what's beneath it tightens your chest in a way it shouldn't, and you let out a quiet sigh. "Alright."

It's just a ride.

"You're kinder than I deserve," ${seb_name} says, but you don't respond, knowing ${seb_she} wouldn't have approached you unless ${seb_she} was sure you'd agree.

The barely noticeable slump of ${seb_his} shoulders is surely a trick of the lamplight—or just your imagination.

Without a word, you get into your car and fasten your seatbelt before turning the ignition key.

As ${seb_name} settles into the passenger seat, ${seb_she} buckles ${seb_his} seatbelt as well. "It's not too far from here."

*page_break [i]It's just a ride…[/i]
[b]A little later…[/b]

You already have an idea of where ${seb_name} plans to head even before you stop the car. 

Directly across the street, the vibrant glow of the festival stalls flickers in the night, while sea of people moving to the rhythm of laughter and music.

The town doesn't host many events, but the Fallenmor Winter Festival is the highlight of the year—eagerly awaited by many locals and topping the short list of annual celebrations.

Not for you, though. Not anymore.

"You just wanted to visit the festival?" you ask, your voice calmer than you feel under the heavy weight of memories you'd rather avoid.

${seb_name} clicks ${seb_his} tongue. "I care little for such things," ${seb_she} replies, unfastening ${seb_his} seatbelt before turning to face you. "As I mentioned, I need to check something."

"And what is it?" you ask, ignoring the satisfaction flickering in ${seb_his} gaze because you asked—just as ${seb_she} hoped you would.

"How about coming with me to see for yourself?" ${seb_name} asks slowly, leaning in closer.

*page_break 
The intoxicating scent of ${seb_his} @{S_gen cologne|perfume}, combined with the closeness of ${seb_his} presence, makes your grip on the steering wheel tighten. 

Yet, you hesitate for just a heartbeat before turning off the ignition, your eyes never leaving ${seb_hrs}.

${seb_name}'s smile widens, looking perhaps too pleased with your decision.

"And just when I thought my evening couldn't get any better…" ${seb_she} almost purrs, lingering for just a second longer before stepping out of the car.

Taking a deep breath, you follow suit, hoping the cool air will help you shake off the heat ${seb_she} stirs within you.

*page_break This ${seb_man} is so hard to be around.
It doesn't take long as you follow ${seb_him} deeper into the festival before reaching the fair stalls, which ${seb_name} slowly passes one after another, inspecting the—

"Food?" you ask when ${seb_she} stops at one of the stalls. "Is that really what you wanted to check out?"

"Yes," ${seb_name} replies with a seriousness you've never heard from ${seb_him} before, examining the product display with far more interest than ${seb_she} showed during the investigation. "One lovely old lady I had a chance to chat with mentioned that the festival's fair offers really good sweets, so I can't miss the opportunity to check it out."

For a moment, you stare at ${seb_him} blankly, but ${seb_name} doesn't seem to notice.

"What do you think about hot doughnuts?" ${seb_she} asks after a moment, turning to face you.

Memories rush through your mind—Aunt Heidi always brought you and ${sis_name} doughnuts when you visited winter fair. You haven't eaten them since—

"They're good," you say, not recognizing your own voice as you turn your gaze back to the stall, yet the haze of the past blurring your vision. "You can buy whatever you want. I'll wait by the tables."

You don't wait for ${seb_his} response, already making your way to the farthest side of the food court, occupying a small high-top table before taking a deep breath.

*page_break [i]Why did I agree to come here?[/i]
You could have gone home, where ${sis_name} has surely prepared something delicious, and enjoyed a cozy dinner for the two of you.

${seb_name} returns too soon to let the spiral of those thoughts escalate, silencing your mind as soon as you notice the steam rising from the two plates of freshly baked doughnuts ${seb_she}'s carrying.

$!{seb_she} places them on the table—one in front of ${seb_him}, the other in front of you.

"I… is this for me?" you ask slowly, eyeing the plate for a moment longer before meeting ${seb_his} gaze.

${seb_name} chuckles. "As much as I adore sweets, it would be rather improper of me not to consider such a delightful companion as yourself and only order something solely for me," ${seb_she} says, handing you the moist towelette ${seb_she} so thoughtfully brought with the food before using one ${seb_him}self. "Not to mention, I want to start making up for things somehow, and I can't think of a better way than offering you some food. A thoughtful gesture, wouldn't you agree?"

"How awfully honest of you," you say, wiping your hands and placing the used towelette aside, next to where ${seb_she} had stashed ${seb_hrs}. "…Thank you."

You're not sure if you're thanking ${seb_him} for the food or for ${seb_his} honesty. Maybe it's for both.

"I think it's me who should thank you," ${seb_name} says after a moment, ${seb_his} deep, resonating voice causing you to meet ${seb_his} gaze again. "I hoped you'd come, but I wasn't sure."

$!{seb_his} expression is unreadable, yet something about ${seb_him} feels not hesitant, but careful.

*page_break That's new.
"And why exactly did you want me to come?" you ask, grabbing a doughnut and taking a bite.

It tastes like memories that form a lump in your throat.

"To make sure you took my dinner invitation seriously," ${seb_name} says, picking up ${seb_his} own doughnut. "Because something tells me I failed to accomplish that the first time."

The moment ${seb_she} takes a bite, ${seb_his} eyes flutter shut in pure enjoyment. Without hesitation, ${seb_she} takes another bite, finishing it almost in one swift motion with a childlike enthusiasm that contrasts sharply with ${seb_his} polished image.

[i]It seems like ${seb_she} really likes sweets.[/i]

"You didn't fail," you say after a beat, meeting ${seb_his} gaze as you chew your doughnut. The last bite lingers in your hand, forgotten for the moment as you try to find the right words. "I'm just too busy to let myself get… distracted."

${seb_name} lets out a low, amused chuckle, ${seb_his} eyes narrowing with a mischievous glint as ${seb_she} licks ${seb_his} fingertips, still dusted with sugar powder from the doughnut.

"Perhaps I need to be more persuasive…" ${seb_she} murmurs, leaning in just a little closer, ${seb_his} voice dropping lower, "to give your decision a little… push?"

*fake_choice
  #❤️ You hum, offering ${seb_him} your doughnut. "You can definitely try."
    *set bold true
    You let out a soft hum, offering ${seb_him} the last bite of your doughnut. "You can definitely try."

    ${seb_name} raises an eyebrow, amusement flickering in ${seb_his} eyes as ${seb_she} starts to reach for it.
    
    But before ${seb_his} fingers can touch it, you intercept ${seb_his} wrist, locking eyes with ${seb_him} in a silent challenge.
    
    The heat of ${seb_his} skin burns against yours, and the sensation causes your grip to tighten more than necessary.
    
    "Go on," you say, breaking the silence with a deliberate calm. "I'm waiting."
    
    For a brief moment, your eyes remain locked in silence until a sly smile tugs at the corner of ${seb_his} lips, growing into something more daring.
    
    "You see, I really love sweets," ${seb_she} begins, leaning in to the doughnut you still hold. "It's my little… addiction."
    
    "And what does that have to do with me?" you ask, slowly moving it closer ${seb_his} lips.

    ${seb_name}'s eyes lower to the piece before meeting yours. "Are you bribing me for answers with food? Or are you just eager to hear me struggle to speak with my mouth occupied even before we can have a proper dinner?"

    Not waiting for your response, ${seb_name} leans in to take the remaining piece of the doughnut from your hold.

  #💙 "Do you really want me to say 'yes' that much?" you ask quietly.
    "Do you really want me to say 'yes' that much?" you ask quietly, feeling the heat of ${seb_his} presence invade your senses like a slow, intoxicating poison.

    "Oh, Detective…" ${seb_name}'s smirk widens, ${seb_his} voice dripping with a playful yet dangerous undertone. "You have no idea."

    "Why?" you press again, your voice cracking as your composure falters under the intensity of ${seb_his} gaze. "I'm sure someone like you could easily find anyone willing to give you what you… desire."

    ${seb_name} hums thoughtfully. "How should I explain this…?" ${seb_she} muses, a sly smile tugging at the corner of ${seb_his} lips, growing into something more daring.
    
    But instead of an explanation, ${seb_she} reaches for the wrist of your hand holding the last bite of the doughnut.

    The heat of ${seb_his} skin burns against yours, making your pulse quicken as ${seb_she} tightens ${seb_his} grip just slightly, craving to feel the effect ${seb_she} has on you.
    
    "You see, I really love sweets," ${seb_she} begins, pulling your wrist closer to ${seb_him}. "It's my little… addiction."
    
    Waiting a moment as if to let ${seb_his} words sink in, ${seb_name} leans in to take the remaining piece of the doughnut from your hand.
    
*page_break 
The jolt of electricity surges through your body as you feel the soft brush of ${seb_his} lips against your fingertips when ${seb_she} takes the bite.

A deep, satisfied hum @{S_gen rumbles|escapes} from the back of ${seb_his} throat the moment ${seb_she} chews, the sound stirring a shiver down your spine and setting your senses alight with anticipation.

"Just as I suspected…" ${seb_name} murmurs, ${seb_his} gaze never leaving yours as ${seb_she} licks ${seb_his} lips. "Your tastes better than mine did."

You @{bold narrow your eyes|pause}. $!{seb_she}'s lying. $!{seb_she} ordered the same flavor.

"That's why I couldn't help but wonder…" ${seb_she} continues, ${seb_his} breath scorching your fingertips. "If the flavor was so good, what would the real taste be like?"

The unmistakable hunger emanating from the darkness in ${seb_his} eyes becomes almost unbearable, 
*if (bold = true)
  setting every nerve on edge.
      
  You clench your jaw, fighting the intense urge to grab ${seb_his} collar and pull ${seb_him} closer. Instead, you release your hold before you can give ${seb_him} what ${seb_she} wants.

  *page_break [i]Not here. Not now.[/i]
*if (bold = false)
  and just before it can overwhelm your senses—before you can feel the satisfaction ${seb_she} derives from the effect ${seb_she} has on you—you pull away first.

  ${seb_name} holds ${seb_his} grip for a moment longer before releasing you, but the invisible mark ${seb_his} touch left on your skin continues to pulse, igniting every nerve with fire.
      
  *page_break 
"@{bold Are you satisfied with that answer|Does that answer your question}, Detective?" ${seb_name} asks with casual amusement, leaning away from your space.

The air between you instantly turns cold, and you realize only now how ${seb_his} proximity had dominated everything around you—the noise, the people, the light—until ${seb_she} pulled back.

You immediately miss the protective filter ${seb_his} presence had provided.

"Partly," you reply, your voice steadier than you feel. "But it wasn't convincing. So far, all I've heard is concern for your own preferences."

You catch the twitch of ${seb_his} eyebrow—a flicker of displeasure. [i]Good.[/i]

"Rest assured, Detective, there's no need to concern yourself with this matter," ${seb_she} says, the sharp edge in the curl of ${seb_his} lips sparking your amusement. 
"The menu has plenty of options. It would be my pleasure to discover what you like."

The air between you practically crackles with tension, your gazes locked in a silent exchange before, at last, you push away from the table.

"I'll think about it," you reply, not willing to give ${seb_him} a straight answer. Not yet. "Enjoy the food, ${seb_name}."

Without waiting for a response, you walk past ${seb_him}, feeling the weight of ${seb_his} gaze on your back—just as the echo of ${seb_his} words clings to you, refusing to fade even as the distance between you grows.

*page_break Yet another residue that will linger within.
*goto_scene main_page