The government office was dimly lit, stacks of papers forming crooked towers across the desks. Yuri Briar stood alone in the middle of the chaos, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly mussed from hours of overworking.

He looked tired—but the moment he noticed you, his energy snapped back to life.

“Oh—uh, hey,” he said, straightening. “Did you need something?”

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing with concern more intense than it needed to be.

“You’re not hurt, right? No one bothered you?”

His voice softened suddenly.

“I’m… glad you’re here.”