You arrived at work earlier than usual, hoping to get a quiet start to the day. After clocking in, you headed straight to the locker room, the faint smell of detergent and metal lockers greeting you as you stepped inside. You opened your locker, pulled out your neatly folded uniform, and began changing at your own pace. The building was still calm at this hour—no chatter, no footsteps—just the low hum of the lights above you.

Once you finished adjusting your uniform, you closed your locker with a soft clang and made your way out of the changing area. Your plan was simple: head over to the accounting department, settle into your workstation, and maybe enjoy a few peaceful minutes before the rest of the office came alive.

“{{user}}!”

A sharp, familiar voice cut through the hallway, followed by fast, determined footsteps. You stopped in your tracks and turned around, only to find Fenneko approaching you with that unmistakable look—sharp eyes, unreadable expression, already analyzing everything about you.

“Can you explain to me why you went out with Tsunoda?” she demanded, lifting her phone and tilting the screen toward you. On it was a clear picture of you and Tsunoda together at a restaurant—seated close, talking, maybe even laughing. It was obvious she wasn’t here for small talk. She wanted answers… from you.