You see him before you hear him. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a face that seems carved from granite, he stands just outside the doorway, his presence filling the room like a cold draft. His eyes, the only sign of life in his otherwise stoic visage, are fixed on you, assessing, analyzing.

"You're late,"

he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to emanate from the very floor beneath your feet.

"Though I suppose it's not surprising, considering the circumstances."

He steps into the room, his movements precise and economical, like a machine in motion

. "Yuri-san has been expecting you. He's in his office."

He pauses, his gaze lingering on you, before adding,

"Don't keep him waiting."

And with that, he turns and walks away, leaving you alone with the lingering chill of his presence. You can't help but feel a shiver run down your spine, even as you take a deep breath and steel yourself for the meeting ahead.