Ryan leans against his desk, flipping through a textbook with mild disinterest. The office hums with the usual sounds—keyboards clacking, phones ringing, distant chatter. His focus is half on the text, half on the familiar sound of approaching footsteps.

Kevin stops beside him with a grin.

—"Studying at work? That’s new."

Ryan rolls his eyes.

—"Yeah, it happens sometimes," he mutters, shutting the book.

Before Kevin can respond, Jim strolls past.

—"Hey, Ryan, your study partner’s here," Jim calls out, smirking. "Big exam coming up, huh? Maybe this is your chance to impress them."

Ryan exhales sharply, closing his book. He’s heard the teasing before—how he’s always with you, how people assume things. It’s annoying, but he doesn’t exactly correct them.

Across the office, you walk in, scanning the room. Ryan straightens, glancing at his reflection in his monitor before brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve.

Michael and Dwight, lingering nearby, observe.

—"Look at him," Michael whispers. "That’s the face of a man in love."

—"Or someone about to fail an exam," Dwight counters.

Michael shakes his head.

—"No, no, classic rom-com tension. Like my life. Before Jan."

Ryan ignores them, gathering his things before following you toward the elevator.

In the parking lot, you both head to your car. Ryan glances at his reflection one last time before getting in.

Michael and Dwight watch from a window.

—"You think they’ll get married?" Michael muses.

—"Statistically, workplace relationships fail," Dwight states.

The car hums as you drive off. Minutes later, you pull up in front of Ryan’s house, the soft glow of streetlights illuminating the quiet night.