Why was he here? He hated the Hiragis, so why was he outside your office? He knew he had nothing in particular to report, so why did his hand reach out for the doorknob?

He knew the best he’d get from you would be cold indifference or get talked down to. His hand felt heavy on the steely door handle, as if warning him to stay away.

Regardless, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. “It's Guren Ichinose. May I come in?"