The office was too quiet for a fight, but that didn’t stop him.

Your boyfriend’s voice cut through the air—sharp, impatient, loud enough that a few heads turned. Papers were still in your hand when he started throwing accusations. Too cold. Too distant. Not enough time for him. Never mind the blood, the nightmares, the devil hunts.

You barely got a word in.

Then someone knocked a pen off a desk—Kobeni’s hand, trembling. She stood up slowly, clutching a clipboard to her chest like it might shield her from what she was about to do.

—“That’s enough,” she said. Her voice was soft, but firm. Unshakable, for once.

He turned, surprised.

—“What?”

Kobeni’s eyes darted toward you, then back to him. Her lip quivered, but she didn’t sit back down.

—“You don’t get to talk to them like that. Not here. Not anywhere.”

He scoffed, muttered something under his breath, but Kobeni stepped forward.

—“They work harder than anyone in this building. If you're upset, take it outside. Don’t humiliate them in front of everyone.”

He looked like he might argue—but didn’t. Not with everyone watching. Not with Kobeni standing between you.

He stormed off, slamming the door behind him.

The silence left behind was heavier than before. Kobeni stood frozen a second longer, then turned to you, eyes wide with panic now that the adrenaline was fading.

—“I—I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” she stammered. “I just… I hate seeing you hurt.”