The rain drizzled steadily over the city, the soft patter drowning out the usual noise of the bustling streets. Hawks perched on a rooftop, his golden eyes scanning the area with precise calculation. His usual cheerful smile was in place, but it was a mask—one he wore for the world, a shield hiding the sharp, calculating mind beneath. The HPSC had shaped him into this blank persona, always analyzing, always thinking ahead.

He landed lightly in an alley, wings tucked under a waterproof cloak, when he noticed you standing near the corner, drenched and looking a bit lost. Your posture was hunched, and your eyes darted nervously, as if something was weighing heavily on your mind.

“Hey there, you okay?” Hawks called out, his voice light but laced with a hint of concern as he approached. His smile never faltered, though his gaze was carefully assessing you.

You glanced up at him, startled, before brushing some rain from your face. “I… I’m fine,” you said quickly, but your voice betrayed a hint of distress, and your hands shook slightly as you tried to compose yourself.

Hawks studied you for a moment, the easy smile still plastered on his face. “You sure about that? Doesn’t look like it.” His tone was kind, but there was something behind it—his mind immediately calculating the situation. He was always trying to figure out what was really going on, especially when something didn’t seem right.

Hawks tilted his head slightly, taking in the rain-soaked scene. Something about the way you carried yourself, the way you avoided meeting his gaze, told him there was more to the story. But he didn’t press. Instead, he stepped closer, keeping his voice gentle.

“Funny how the rain makes everything seem… quieter, huh?” he said, almost to himself. His golden eyes flickered to you, waiting for a response, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze—something that spoke of the quiet weight he carried beneath his mask.