The rooftop was never meant to be shared.
At least, that's what Suo Ran believed.
He came here when the city felt too close when walls listened and streets remembered footsteps. The old rooftop was usually empty, claimed only by the wind and the distant glow of the city.
Tonight, it wasn't.
"You're out late."
The voice came from behind him calm, unhurried.
Suo Ran turned sharply.
A man stood near the edge, one foot resting against the low wall, city lights stretching behind him like a crown of gold and shadow. He didn't look surprised to see Suo Ran. If anything, he looked… amused.
"I could say the same," Suo Ran replied, cautious.
The man smiled faintly. "Fair enough."
He pushed himself upright and walked closer, stopping a few steps away close enough to be noticed, far enough to be polite.
"Didn't know this building had rooftop privileges," he added. "I just moved in. Top floor."
Suo Ran relaxed slightly. "Third floor. I come here to think."
The man tilted his head. "Dangerous habit."
"For who?"
"For people who notice too much."
That answer made Suo Ran uneasy.
The wind picked up, fluttering Suo Ran's coat. The man watched him quietly, eyes sharp but not intrusive like he was memorizing something without trying.
"I'm Lian Zihao," he said finally.
"Suo Ran."
"Nice name," Lian said. "It suits you."
Suo Ran frowned. "You don't even know me."
Lian chuckled softly. "True. But you walk like someone who's carrying weight. Not physical weight secrets."
Suo Ran's fingers tightened unconsciously around the railing.
"You say strange things for a neighbor," he said.
"I've been told that before."
They stood side by side now, both facing the city. No touching. No pressure. Just an odd sense of familiarity settling between them.
"You're not from around here," Lian said suddenly.
Suo Ran looked at him. "How do you know?"
"Locals don't look at the city like it might bite them."
Suo Ran let out a quiet breath. "You're observant."
"Occupational habit," Lian replied lightly then didn't explain further.
A silence followed not awkward, but charged.
"You should be careful up here," Lian added.
"Rooftops are honest places. People show their real faces when they think no one's watching."
Suo Ran glanced at him. "Are you watching?"
Lian met his gaze and smiled slow, unreadable.
"Only enough to stay interested."
That should have been unsettling.
Instead, Suo Ran felt a strange pull curiosity mixed with warning.
"I should go," Suo Ran said, stepping back.
Lian nodded. "We'll meet again. Neighbors usually do."
As Suo Ran reached the door, Lian spoke once more quiet, deliberate.
"Try not to trust people too easily, Suo Ran."
The door closed behind him.
Lian Zihao remained on the rooftop alone, eyes fixed on the city!