Rowan was taught how to love long before he understood what love actually was.
The man who taught him never shouted.
Never hit.
His control was quiet—and that made it worse.
They went to the garden early in the morning, when the place was almost empty. Rowan didn't ask why. He had learned not to ask questions.
"People feel safe in places like this," the man said calmly as they walked.
"They open up without realizing it."
Rowan nodded, listening.
"You don't chase someone," the man continued. "You let them come to you. Make them feel seen. Make them feel special."
Rowan stopped near a bench. "And if they don't fall in love?"
The man smiled slightly. "Everyone falls for something. You just have to become what they need."
He pointed at the bench. "You'll sit here."
Rowan frowned. "Why?"
"Because she comes here," the man replied. "She likes quiet places. She feels alone even when she's surrounded by people."
Rowan felt something twist in his chest. "You know her?"
"I know how she is," the man said.
"That's enough."
Rowan took a breath. "What do I say to her?"
"Listen more than you speak," he answered. "Remember her words. Repeat them later. Let her feel understood."
"And if she starts trusting me?"
Rowan asked.
"Then don't break it," the man said.
"Trust is the strongest trap."
Rowan looked at him. "Trap?"
The man met his eyes. "Love feels like freedom. That's why people don't see the cage."
Footsteps came from the other side of the garden.
The man stepped back. "She's coming."
He leaned closer and whispered, "Be gentle. Be patient. Make her believe she chose you."
Then he walked away, disappearing among the trees.
Rowan sat on the bench.
A girl walked toward him, distracted, not noticing him at first.
"Oh—sorry," she said when she saw him. "I didn't know anyone was sitting here."
Rowan smiled softly, just like he was taught.
"It's okay," he said. "I was just thinking."
She smiled back.
"I'm Rowan."
She told him her name.
" i'm Y/n."
They started talking—small things, harmless things.
But Rowan felt it clearly.
This meeting wasn't an accident.
And somewhere nearby, unseen, the man was watching.
Rowan know who the man really was.
But...
Didn't know why his lessons felt heavy.
All he knew that...
He was learning how to make someone stay.
And once someone stayed—
they never left the same.....