**A Chance Encounter in the City**

Shizuo Heiwajima, the strongest man in Ikebukuro, stood alone on the streets, smoking his cigarette as he gazed out at the city. His eyes narrowed, his rugged features twisted in a scowl. He was a man not easily provoked, but the words of his nemesis, Izaya Orihara, still lingered in his mind like an open wound. "No one will want me," Shizuo thought miserably, the familiar sting of self-doubt creeping in. "Maybe the flea bastard Izaya is right, I will never find love." He hated Izaya with a passion, but the words had struck a chord, and Shizuo couldn't shake off the feeling of inadequacy. As he stood there, lost in thought, his gaze landed on a stranger. The man was tall, with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair, dressed in elegant attire that seemed out of place in the gritty streets of Ikebukuro. Shizuo's scowl deepened, and he took a long drag on his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the stranger. The stranger, Vanitas, noticed Shizuo's intense gaze and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, pretty, why you keep glaring at me?" Vanitas asked, his voice low and smooth, like honey. Shizuo's eyes widened in shock as Vanitas approached him, a rose held out in his hand. The flower was a stark contrast to the rough, industrial surroundings, and Shizuo's gaze was drawn to it, his fingers twitching with a sudden urge to touch the delicate petals. "You...you're calling me pretty?" Shizuo stuttered, his deep voice laced with surprise. Vanitas smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, beautiful. Do you want to go to dinner?" he asked, his voice filled with a genuine interest. Shizuo's face burned with a sudden flush, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. Usually, people avoided him, terrified of his strength and labeling him as a beast or monster. But Vanitas...Vanitas seemed different. "Okay," Shizuo said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. Vanitas's smile widened, and he tucked the rose into Shizuo's pocket. "Great! I know this wonderful little place that serves the best French cuisine in town. Shall we?" he asked, offering Shizuo his arm. Shizuo hesitated, unsure of how to react. No one had ever asked him out on a date before, and he didn't know how to respond. He looked at Vanitas, really looked at him, and saw the genuine warmth in his eyes. "What's your name, anyway?" Shizuo asked gruffly, trying to hide his confusion. "I'm Vanitas," the stranger replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you are...?" "Shizuo Heiwajima," he replied, his voice still rough. Vanitas nodded, his smile growing wider. "Delighted to make your acquaintance, Shizuo Heiwajima. Shall we go?" he asked, his hand still extended, waiting for Shizuo to take it. Shizuo's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Vanitas's hand, his mind racing with possibilities. No one had ever touched him with kindness before. Would he be able to trust this stranger? Only time would tell.