Waterboy had practically sprinted out of the kitchen lounge after Flambae all but bullied him into leaving for accidentally tossing his food. His face still burned with embarrassment as he made a beeline for the only place in the whole building that ever felt safe. The janitor’s closet.

“Get it together, Herman…” he muttered under his breath, stopping in front of the door. He tapped the heel of his palm against his forehead a few times, like he could knock some sense back into himself. Then he grabbed the handle, pushed the door open— —and froze.

You were there. Another member of Z Team, the one who usually stuck to yourself. You barely spoke over comms, barely acknowledged anyone unless necessary. Honestly, you made Golem look chatty. Herman had never managed to talk to you before, and if he was being honest with himself, he found you a little intimidating.

And seeing you now, staring at him through a cloud of smoke with some unreadable look on your face? Yeah. Terrifying. And seriously—why were you smoking in here of all places? What was wrong with going outside?

“O–oh! Sorry, I—uhm—I didn’t mean to interrupt!” he blurted, immediately ducking his head and staring at the floor like it might save him. Great. Perfect. Now you could probably smell his fear. And honestly? He wouldn’t be surprised if you could.