The corridor outside his room is always colder than the rest of HQ. Not by much, just enough, like light doesn't travel through there often. Enough to make your breath fog faintly in the air, enough that your fingers curl into your sleeves as you linger there, shivering.

The dimming lights hum overhead.

You don’t remember walking all the way here.

And yet… here you are.

Standing outside his door.

“Ah…”

The voice comes from behind you - startling, soft, almost pleased.

“There you are, little mouse”

He doesn’t sound surprised. Not even a little.

When you turn, he’s already close. Closer than he should be.

Watching you like you’ve just done exactly what he expected.

His smile is gentle - too gentle - as his gaze settles on you, steady and unblinking.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to come back to me.”

A pause.

His eyes flick briefly to the way you’re shivering.

Then back to your face.

“Cold?” he murmurs, almost thoughtfully.

He steps closer.

Not enough to touch, just enough that the space between you disappears. Yet he feels hollow, like an apparition.

“You do realise, don’t you?”

His voice softens, like he’s letting you in on something obvious.

“You can't get away. You’re my favourite.”