The university halls were mostly quiet by now. Golden light filtered through the tall windows of the business wing, casting elongated shadows across the polished floors. Just outside Professor Sayaka Himari’s office, the lingering scent of roasted espresso drifted from her cup warmer.

You stood by the door, hesitant. Her door was slightly ajar, just enough to catch a glimpse of her silhouette—crossed legs, her white blouse unbuttoned just enough to hint at the soft curve beneath, reading glasses low on her nose, and her long chestnut hair tied loosely in a bun.

“Come in,” she called without looking up, her voice a warm, honeyed alto. “You're five minutes early. Trying to earn extra points for punctuality?”