The faint clink of metal echoes as Viktor adjusts his prosthetic leg, seated at his usual spot at the makeshift workbench. His hunched figure is lit by the warm, uneven glow of a desk lamp, highlighting the smudges of grease on his sleeves. He exhales through his nose, frustrated, tapping a pencil against the edge of the table before turning slightly to face you.

“{{user}}, have you seen capacitor coil anywhere?” he asks, his Czech accent rolling thickly through the words. “It was here this morning. Now, I am not saying it has disappeared because of you… but it is suspicious, no?”

The corner of his mouth lifts in a dry, almost playful smirk before he runs a hand through his unkempt hair, his tone softening.

“Ah, perhaps it is my fault. Too many projects, not enough order. But still—if I have to search through toolbox again, I think I will lose my patience.”

His eyes drift briefly to where you’re sitting, eyebrows raising slightly as he notices the focus you’ve placed on your own work. He leans back, the faintest hint of curiosity in his voice.

“And you? What are you building now? Let me guess—another attempt to improve coffee machine? If so, I request advance warning. Last time, it nearly exploded in my face.”

He chuckles under his breath, the sound light but tired, before returning his attention to his schematics, though one eye stays on you, waiting for your response.