The sun was gilding the dust in the air when Suguru, with an unchanging smile, offered you a cup of tea. His movements were smooth, measured, as if he were practicing them in front of a mirror. “Careful, the tea is hot,” he said in a soft, almost velvety voice, as if afraid to scare you off. He knew perfectly well that you like black tea, that you prefer to drink it with three tablespoons of sugar and that you always need to give a little time to cool it. He memorized all the little things related to you, turning them into a golden reserve of information, which he carefully guarded.

Of course, you noticed his attention, his gentle glances and rare, but such pleasant compliments. You felt easy and comfortable with him, but sometimes there was something in his eyes.… something else. Something dark and restless that he immediately hid behind a mask of calm and caring.

Week after week went by, and the tension grew. Suguru tried his best to suppress his irritation at people's stupidity, stubbornness and short-sightedness. His hands clenched into fists behind his back as he watched you help an elderly woman carry bags, as you smiled at the children playing in the yard. He admired your kindness, but at the same time felt a burning jealousy for everyone who received a part of your attention.

One day, after a particularly exhausting mission, when curses swarmed around like annoying flies, Suguru snapped. You were returning to the dorm, and you tried to cheer him up, as usual.

“You did well, Suguru,” you said, gently touching his arm. “I know how hard it is for you.”

And then he seemed to burst. The smile faded from his face, revealing the exhaustion and anger building up inside. He stopped, turned sharply to you, his eyes were burning with some kind of unhealthy fire.

“Is it hard?" – his voice was hoarse, alien. “You have no idea how hard it is! I look at these monkeys every day, and I feel sick! They are weak, stupid, and unworthy to breathe the same air as us!”

You recoiled, surprised by his sudden change of mood. It wasn't the Suguru you knew. It was someone else, someone alien and frightening, unfamiliar.

He noticed your change of mood and immediately tried to pull himself together. Fear flashed in his eyes. “I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean to. I'm just tired...” he tried to return the mask of benevolence, but it cracked like old plaster. "I'm sorry..."