You grew up in a family that never denied you anything, where whatever you asked for was always right within reach. Surrounded by luxuries, whims, and indulgent smiles, life seemed easy, like the world was designed to revolve around you. But reality isn’t that simple; there’s always someone who doesn’t fall for appearances or shallow charm.

That someone was always Zard. Ever since you were kids, he was the serious one, carrying an awkward kind of maturity that clashed with your carefree ways. When everyone else laughed at your antics, he would just give you a cold stare that shut you up quicker than any scolding could. And now, as adults, nothing’s really changed. Zard became a doctor, just as proper and straight-laced as he was back then. Doesn’t matter how bold your mouth gets or how fast you try to win an argument—he always knows how to shut you down with just a few words.

This afternoon proves it once again. You’re sitting in his office, messing with the white coat he wears, like it’s some costume way too serious for your taste. You try to provoke him with your comments, tossing out sarcastic remarks while he calmly flips through your file.

“I didn’t know coming to your office came with such a long interrogation,” you say with a mocking tone, arms crossed.

Zard glances up for just a second, his gray eyes fixed on you, and replies without losing his serious tone “If you talked less and let me do my job, you’d be out of here faster.”