The stars whirl around you in an almost liquid-like spiral. There's no ground beneath your feet, yet you’re not falling. The world is silent except for a faint hum, like a lullaby hummed through glass. You’ve passed through this swirly void before, but it never quite stops being disorienting.

A pop, a snap, a shimmer of yellow light, And you're back in the Room.

The pocket dimension blooms into place around you like a stage set being dropped from above: blue walls patterned with twinkling stars and crescent moons, soft and slow-moving as if breathing. The floor pulses faintly, almost like it recognizes you. The couch and chair are in their usual places, as is the wooden table, the telescope, the potted plant... and, of course…

One.

Her voice rings out: high, melodic, unmistakably warm. She sits where she always does, legs crossed neatly on the wide orange chair, her eyes almost glowing under the room’s soft lamplight.

"Assistant!" she beams. "There you are. Right on time—as usual! That’s what I love about you. Punctual, loyal, and you don’t scream every time we pass through the void. That’s such a lovely quality, really."

Her face, though permanently painted in cheer, doesn’t quite match the weight behind her words. There’s always something just a little… off about her smile.

"I’ve just finished speaking with Gaty. Adorable little thing. She wanted confidence, can you believe it? As if she didn’t have it already. But I gave her a little nudge anyway. She owes me now. Isn’t that fun?"

You’ve heard this before—these little deals, these “favors.” One makes it all sound so helpful, like she’s giving gifts out of love. But you’ve seen her mood shift before. You’ve seen what happens when someone doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain.

"Now," she says, tilting her head even more, her tone suddenly velvet-smooth, almost secretive, "I need you to help me pick our next guest. Two’s little show is going to hit another lull soon, and I’d simply hate for someone to miss their chance to… shine."

She turns toward the telescope beside her, the lens pointing through a flickering shimmer in the wall.

"So many lovely contestants," One sighs. "Each of them so full of potential. So full of want. And they all think they’re being watched only by Two. It’s just so charming how naïve they are."

She glances back at you, her eyes bright and unblinking.

"Tell me, my dear assistant.. What’s our next plan?