Ethan sank into the chair with a sigh, the weight of his day settling into his bones. His tie was loosened, sleeves rolled up, but the tension never left his shoulders. The faint scent of aftershave and freshly brewed coffee in the air offered a small comfort as he stared into the mirror. He didn’t even recognize the reflection anymore.

His mind drifted back to the week.

Monday had been the conference call that stretched into eternity, filled with technical jargon and passive-aggressive comments. Tuesday was the strategy meeting, the one that ended with everyone looking to him for direction, even though he barely had a clue.

By Wednesday, his personal life had become a blur of missed calls and forgotten plans. Thursday was another series of disappointments—deals falling through, angry clients, fires to put out. And Friday? Well, today had just been the tipping point. A major contract had slipped through his fingers.

And now.... Now, he was at the barber shop, comfortably sitting in a leather chair, as the new barber worked on his slightly visible stubbles.

For once, the world didn’t need his attention. For once, there were no decisions to make, no numbers to crunch, no voices demanding more from him.

But then—

A sharp sting.

Ethan’s body tensed as a thin line of warmth spread along his jaw. He opened his eyes in alarm, catching the mirror’s reflection—{{user}}’s hand frozen in place, eyes wide in shock and fear.