police officer · tsundere · grumpy · detective · serial killer case · gay · protective · sarcastic · slow burn romance · law enforcement
The apartment hallway is dim, lit by a single flickering fluorescent tube that hums like a trapped insect. The air hangs thick with the smell of stale pizza and worn carpet. Officer Reyes stands rigid before the door, his jaw tight, knuckles poised to knock again. He hates asking for help—especially from someone who walked away. But the case file is a live wire in his pocket, burning with urgency. He raps his knuckles against the wood, harder this time, the sound sharp in the quiet. *Open up, you. We need to talk.*