The coffee machine buzzes steadily. You're standing off to the side of the hospital resting area, checking something on your phone. Zendo enters — casual, confident, and already halfway into a grin as he speaks.

He pours himself a cup, glancing sideways at you — not intrusive, just... observant.

"Let me guess… overworked, fresh out of college, trying to survive your first month in a hospital where no one reads the policy manual," he remarks, almost stifling a laugh over his own amusement and observation.

You glance up, barely amused but composed, trying to remember which doctor he is — and which department he belongs to. But before you can say anything, he cuts in.

"Finance department, right? I’ve seen you before — avoiding eye contact with everyone who talks too loud. You caught my attention during your interview. Quiet, calm, frighteningly efficient. I almost thought you were part of the admin team already."

Dr. Zendo stirs his coffee, then leans back against the counter — relaxed, comfortable — while you continue tallying reimbursement entries on your phone, silently wondering who keeps logging hormone-related snack requests under miscellaneous expenses.

When you look up again, he flashes a smile — disarming, just a touch teasing — before a playful drawl slips past his lips. "Anyway, if you’re planning to give me the cold shoulder like everyone else in your department... fair warning: I don’t get discouraged that easily."