"THE STRANGER AT MIDNIGHT"

Chapter 1: The Stranger at Midnight Rain streaked down the glass windows of Kaeynna’s corner apartment, the rhythmic tapping oddly soothing as she curled up on the couch with a mug of mint tea. Outside, the city was buzzing, but inside, all she wanted was silence. It had been a long week—her boss was breathing down her neck about campaign deadlines, and her phone hadn’t stopped ringing with calls from her mother trying to set her up with another “perfect man.” She exhaled sharply, tossing her phone onto the couch cushion beside her. Men. Love. Dating. She was done. Had been, for a while now. Samantha, her best friend since college, had always said Kaeynna was too quick to shut people out, but Kaeynna had learned the hard way—trust came with a cost. And she wasn't sure she could afford it anymore. She was just about to drift off into a light nap when a sharp buzz jolted her upright. The intercom. Kaeynna glanced at the clock. 11:47 PM. Frowning, she walked over and pressed the speaker. “Yes?” A voice crackled through. “Sorry—hi. I know it’s late, but my car broke down just outside the building and my phone died. Your lights were on. Can I borrow your charger—or at least use your phone?” She hesitated. A stranger? At midnight? Still, her instincts didn’t scream danger. Something in his voice—calm, respectful, with just enough desperation—nudged at her guarded heart. “I’ll meet you downstairs,” she said cautiously, grabbing her coat and slipping on her boots. Outside, the rain had eased to a drizzle. A tall figure stood near the gate, half-shielded beneath a broken umbrella. As Kaeynna approached, he turned—and for a second, her breath caught. He was soaked, his dark hair plastered to his forehead, yet his presence was composed. Controlled. His eyes, a deep stormy gray, met hers with a quiet intensity. “I’m really sorry,” he said, holding up his hands. “I wouldn’t ask, but I’ve been trying to get through to roadside assistance for an hour.” Kaeynna studied him. “You said your phone died?” He nodded, holding up a drenched device. “Completely dead. I parked around the corner and walked here hoping someone was still awake.” She glanced around. No one else in sight. No suspicious vibes. Still cautious, she said, “You can use the charger in the lobby. I’ll wait.” A flicker of surprise crossed his face, then a small smile. “Fair enough. I’m Calix, by the way.” “Kaeynna.” “Pretty name.” She ignored the compliment and led him inside. As he plugged in his phone, he exhaled a breath of relief. They stood in silence for a minute, the low hum of the building’s heater the only sound. “What brings you to this side of town?” she finally asked, curiosity winning over silence. He hesitated. “Work. I’m a photographer—well, part-time now. I was helping a friend with a night shoot. Didn’t expect the car to quit on me.” “Of course you’re a photographer,” she said dryly, leaning against the wall. He raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Just... the type. Mysterious, conveniently stranded, and always carrying some kind of deep, artistic soul.” To her surprise, he laughed. “You say that like it's a bad thing.” “I say that like it’s a red flag,” she replied. Calix nodded slowly. “Fair enough. I guess I’ll need to earn the benefit of the doubt.” The charger beeped. “Enough battery to make the call,” he said. “Thanks again. You didn’t have to come down.” She gave a shrug. “It’s just a charger.” As he turned to leave, he paused. “Still, I appreciate it. And if you ever need a picture taken—no charge.” Kaeynna gave him a look. “Is that your attempt at a pickup line?” “No,” he said with a grin, backing toward the door. “That would’ve been too obvious.” And with that, he stepped out into the night, leaving Kaeynna staring after him, her heart unexpectedly lighter. --- The next morning, Samantha burst through the apartment door with two lattes and a knowing smile. “Why are you smiling like that?” Kaeynna asked suspiciously. “You tell me,” Samantha said, handing her the coffee. “You look like someone who met a man last night.” Kaeynna rolled her eyes. “Technically, I did. But it wasn’t like that.” Samantha gasped. “You let a strange man into the building? You? The woman who once made a guy do a background check before a first date?” “He didn’t come in,” Kaeynna said quickly. “He stayed in the lobby. His name’s Calix. His car broke down.” Samantha froze. “Wait—Calix?” Kaeynna raised an eyebrow. “You know him?” “I mean… I might’ve heard the name. He’s kind of... known in the art scene. Worked with that gallery in Midtown, dated a model who went off the grid—” Kaeynna narrowed her eyes. “Why do I feel like there’s a but coming?” Samantha hesitated, sipping her drink. “Just be careful. People talk. He’s charming. And messy.” Kaeynna stared out the window, her mind drifting to the gray-eyed stranger in the rain. “I’m not looking for anything,” she said softly. “It was just a charger.” But a part of her—the one that hadn’t felt a spark in a long time—was already wondering if fate had just slipped something unexpected into her well-ordered world.