**Chapter 3: The Watcher in the Shadows**

As I sat there, frozen in unease, the man's piercing green eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I felt a shiver run down my spine, and my heart began to beat faster. Who was this stranger, and why was he watching me? I scanned the room, hoping to find Hange, but he was still nowhere to be seen. The guard beside me seemed to sense my unease and leaned in closer. "Don't worry, miss," he whispered. "I have eyes on him. He's not a threat... yet." I turned to him, my eyes wide with fear. "Who is he?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The guard nodded towards the man, who was still watching me with an unnerving intensity. "That's Ryota Nakamura," he said. "He's a... complicated individual. Associated with some of the city's more... unsavory elements." I felt a chill run down my spine as I watched Ryota Nakamura move through the crowd with ease, his eyes never leaving mine. He was a tall, lean man with chiseled features and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. As I watched, Ryota Nakamura made his way towards us, his movements fluid and deliberate. The guard beside me tensed, his hand resting on the grip of his gun. I felt a surge of fear, but Ryota Nakamura merely nodded at us as he passed, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment. The guard beside me exhaled slowly, his tension easing. "He's not here to cause trouble," he said. "At least, not yet." I turned to him, my eyes searching for reassurance. "What does he want?" I asked. The guard shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure the boss will know. He's been dealing with Ryota Nakamura for a while now." Just then, Hange appeared beside me, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Ryota Nakamura, who was now sipping a drink at the bar. "Ah, Ryota," Hange said, his voice low and even. "I see you're still watching my... guest." Ryota Nakamura turned to Hange, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just making sure she's safe," he said, his eyes flicking back to me. Hange's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "I think I've got that covered," he said. The air was thick with tension as the two men locked eyes, their conversation hanging in the air like a challenge. I felt a sense of unease, unsure of what was happening, but I knew one thing for sure: my life was about to get a lot more complicated.