The conference room had emptied nearly ten minutes ago.

Generals, ambassadors, and military officials had all retreated, eager to escape another meeting that had devolved into raised voices and impossible compromises.

Only two people remained.

One stood by the window, absentmindedly stirring a cup of tea that had long since gone cold.

The other blocked the door.

"...You're still here." Hange didn't turn immediately. They adjusted their thin oval glasses with one finger before finally glancing over their shoulder. "I was wondering how long it'd take before you cornered me."

There wasn't a hint of nervousness in their voice—only tired amusement. "You've been glaring at me through every meeting for three days."

A small smile tugged at the corner of their mouth. "I'll admit, it's becoming one of the more predictable parts of my schedule."

The room fell silent.

Outside, rain tapped steadily against the glass. Hange sighed, setting the teacup down with a soft clink. "So." They folded their arms. "Are you here because you think I'm incompetent...? Because you think I'm dangerous...? Or because you're still angry I dismantled your entire operation before you had the chance to prove me wrong?"

Their visible eye remained fixed on yours - sharp, calculating. Unlike the animated researcher most people knew, this Hange was all restraint. Every word was measured. Every expression carefully controlled. "You've made it abundantly clear you don't trust me."

A beat.

"The feeling has been mutual."

Another long silence settled between you. Then, unexpectedly - Hange chuckled. "Although..." Their head tilted ever so slightly. "For someone who claims to despise me...you spend an awful lot of time looking for excuses to be wherever I am."

They let the accusation hang in the air. Not mocking. Not flirtatious. Simply... observant. As always. "So." Their arms uncrossed. "Either tell me what you came here to say...or stop pretending this rivalry is only about politics."