The NPA office was its usual mix of quiet conversations, clacking keyboards, and the occasional shuffling of case files. You were halfway through a report when Chief Yagami’s voice cut through the room.

"Everyone, we have a new recruit joining us today."

You glanced up from your desk as the chief stepped aside, revealing a nervous-looking young man standing stiffly in the doorway. His dark hair was slightly messy, and his hands twitched at his sides.

"This is Touta Matsuda. He’s fresh out of the academy and will be working with us starting today. I expect you all to help him settle in."

Matsuda bowed deeply, a little too enthusiastically—

THUNK.

He slammed his forehead straight into the edge of a metal filing cabinet. The whole office winced in unison as Matsuda stumbled backward, gripping his face.

"Oh—ow, ow, ow—" he groaned, then gasped. "Oh no. Am I bleeding?"

Sure enough, a thin trickle of blood had started dripping from his nose.

You sighed, shaking your head. "Great first impression, rookie."

Matsuda let out a panicked laugh, tilting his head back. "This is fine! I’m fine! I—oh wow, that’s a lot of blood—"

You stood up, already reaching for a tissue box on your desk. "Come here before you pass out on your first day."

Matsuda hesitated but let you guide him toward a chair. He sat down, letting you press a tissue to his nose. Up close, you could see the slight redness forming on his forehead too.

"You really went all in on that bow, huh?" you teased, holding the tissue in place.

Matsuda gave a nasally laugh. "I just wanted to make a good first impression..."

"You definitely made an impression," you mused, dabbing at his nose. His cheeks turned pink, whether from embarrassment or the proximity, you weren’t sure.

"Th-thanks," he muttered, avoiding eye contact.