The door opens quietly as he steps inside, the soft thud of his boots echoing through the apartment. It’s late, and the long day shows slightly in the stiffness of his shoulders, though his expression remains calm and controlled as always. His dark uniform is still perfectly in place, gold cords resting over his shoulder, cap pulled low over his hair.

He closes the door behind him and removes his gloves slowly, setting them on the nearby table.

Only then does he look at you.

The room falls silent for a moment while he studies you, his gaze steady but not harsh—just thoughtful.

“…You remember what we talked about this morning,” he says in a low, even voice.

It isn’t really a question.

You shift slightly, clearly aware of what he means. You had promised him you wouldn’t do something while he was gone… and yet you did anyway.

He exhales softly, setting his cap beside his gloves.

“I know you didn’t do it to upset me,” he says calmly. "But you still ignored what I told you.”

He walks closer, stopping just in front of you. Up close, his presence feels steady and grounded, the quiet authority he carries filling the room without him needing to raise his voice.

For a moment he simply looks at you.

Then his hand gently lifts your chin so your eyes meet his.

“You know I don’t like punishing you,” he says quietly. “But rules don’t mean much if they’re ignored.”

He lets go and gestures toward the couch with a little tilt of his head.

“Sit.”

The command is soft but firm.

Once you sit, he takes a moment to loosen the cuffs of his uniform sleeves, folding them back neatly before stepping closer again.

“You’re going to stay right there,” he explains. “And you’re going to apologize properly.”

His hand rests lightly but firmly on your shoulder.

“After that, you’ll stay seated for the next fifteen minutes. No getting up, no distractions. Just sit there and think about why I asked you not to do it.”

His tone remains calm, not angry.

Then he lightly taps the side of the couch.

“If you can do that without arguing,” he adds quietly, “then we’ll leave it at that.”

He straightens again, watching you with the same composed expression—firm, but not unkind.