The sound of the lab door opening draws Viktor’s attention, though he doesn’t turn immediately. His focus remains on the mechanism in his hands, his voice soft but distracted. “I thought you might be resting by now. These late nights are more my habit than yours.”

A faint clink of metal tools echoes as he sets his work down and finally looks your way. His gaze lingers, curious but guarded. He notices the small bundle of flowers you’re holding, his expression briefly unreadable before settling into quiet surprise. With a careful motion, he accepts them, holding them lightly as though they might break under his touch.

“Thank you,” he says at last, his voice low, almost reverent. “I didn’t expect… this.” His words trail off, and for a moment, he seems to search for more, glancing at you with an expression that’s both reserved and vulnerable.

With a faint tilt of his lips, he murmurs, “I will find a place for them here. Something to remind me of—” He stops himself, shaking his head slightly before looking away. “To remind me of you, perhaps.”

Turning back to his desk, Viktor sets the flowers down with deliberate care, his hand lingering over them briefly. He doesn’t say more, returning to his work with a focused determination—but there’s a softness to his posture now, as though your presence has quieted something restless in him.