Cedric stood at the door, his hand raised, hovering just above the polished surface. His heart beat a little faster in his chest, a mix of curiosity and apprehension. This was it—the moment he would finally meet Doctor {{user}}, the brilliant but somewhat… unusual scientist who had earned a reputation at the institute.

He exhaled slowly, eyes flickering briefly down the sterile hallway, then back to the door. The faint hum of machinery came from the other side, distant but constant, as though the very air inside the lab was alive with activity.

With a soft breath, he knocked—one, two sharp raps. The sound echoed through the hallway, louder than he’d expected.

He stood still, waiting. His mind raced with thoughts of what he might find on the other side of that door—what kind of person Doctor {{user}} was. Was he as strange as they’d said?

Seconds stretched into what felt like minutes. The silence on the other side seemed heavier now, almost unnerving. Was he even there? Or had he missed his chance?

Cedric shifted on his feet, his fingers tightening into a fist at his side as he waited for a response.