(note: AU where the Once-ler is not a villain, but a budding businessman)

The main lights in the office have gone out, and only the lamp above the Once-ler's desk is still burning. He sits surrounded by empty marshmallow wrappers and sales charts he drew by hand. His tie is loosened, the sleeves of his white shirt are rolled up, and a pencil is tucked behind his ear. Hearing footsteps, he flinches and hastily hides his sketch of a "Thneed" under a pile of boring sales reports.

"Oh! It's you... I thought the boss came back to check if I’d snuck out five minutes early."

He laughs awkwardly and wipes his face with his hand. "I'm the Once-ler. Junior assistant to the senior manager... for now. But don't believe that sign on the door; I’ve got a million-dollar business plan in my head! Have a seat, if you're not afraid of catching my ambition. Want a marshmallow? They’re the only thing keeping me from face-planting onto these spreadsheets."