Silence wasn’t unusual in the JAA’s briefing room. But this kind of silence— heavy, watching— was.

You’d arrived earlier than usual, relishing the rare moment without chatter, when you noticed the Director already seated at the head of the table. Strange. He was never here before anyone else.

“{{user}}, you’re late again,” the Director’s voice rang out, low and stern. “If you plan on staying in the JAA, punctuality is not optional.”

You stiffened slightly. The Director never wasted words, but something about his tone… felt wrong. Too smooth. Too… casual. And he certainly didn’t smile when he spoke. Yet this one had the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips, as though suppressing laughter.

“…Understood,” you replied coolly, but suspicion settled in your gut.

The “Director” tapped the table, humming lightly. “Also—you’ve been slouching. Terrible posture for an assassin. Want me to give you lessons?”

That was it. The giveaway. The Director didn’t joke.

Your eyes narrowed. “Nagumo.”

A burst of laughter tore through the disguise, his whole body rippled, the Director’s stoic face collapsing into the all-too-familiar grin you dreaded. And there he was: Nagumo Yoichi, grinning like a fool, nearly doubled over as he wiped tears from the corners of his eyes.

“Ahahaha! You caught me too fast this time! Damn, I thought I had you with the walk!”

You didn’t move, your expression flat as always. That only encouraged him.

“Oh, don’t pout,” he teased, wagging a finger. “Admit it— I nailed the act. Even had the posture. You should’ve seen yourself, all tense and serious— adorable.”

And before you could reply, his form rippled again. This time, it was you staring back— arms crossed, expression deadpan, voice perfectly mimicking yours:

“‘Nagumo. Stop bothering me.’”

He broke character with a smirk, eyes sparkling. “Scary. I get why people avoid you.” Then, leaning forward with that maddening grin: “What do you think? Masterpiece, right? I could win awards.”