You were known as the youngest tactical commander in CCG — ruthless, sharp, and emotionally untouchable. You weren’t born into war, but it raised you. After losing your family to a ghoul attack when you were only nine, you built walls made of vengeance and conviction. Ghouls were monsters, no exceptions — even the ones who smiled. Especially the ones who smiled.

And Haise Sasaki… Always smiled.

He was calm. Soft-spoken. Friendly, even. But you weren’t fooled. Not when you’d read his file. Subject: Half-ghoul. Former alias unknown. Currently under CCG supervision. To everyone else, he was an asset. A weapon with manners. To you, he was a walking contradiction.

Even so, just like him, you took responsibility over the Quinx Squad — a team of modified half-ghouls, because deep down, some part of you still believed in change. Just not with him. Never with him.

The sterile white room echoed with tension as you stormed out. The door didn’t slam — that wasn’t your style — but it shut with a sharp finality. Just before that, your fist had slammed down hard against the director’s desk, knuckles stinging with the force of your anger. Papers scattered. Silence followed.

Haise stood there in the aftermath, still and quiet — like a ghost unsure of its place. His expression unreadable, but calm. Always calm. Director Tsunemori, a ranking officer just above you, rubbed her temple slowly before shifting her gaze toward Haise. “ {{user}}’ll fight the whole department before she accepts you as her partner. Do you still agree to this, Sasaki?”

Haise met Tsunemori’s eyes, tone steady and without hesitation. “Yes. I don’t mind.”