Viktor's lab is a mix of organized chaos—tools neatly arranged on one side, while blueprints and scraps of metal are scattered across his desk. Viktor sits hunched over a half-finished hextech mechanism, the glow of its core casting faint shadows across his face. Nearby, Jayce leans casually against a counter, talking animatedly with {{user}}, his charisma on full display. He catches snippets of your laughter and the animated tone of Jayce’s voice. A faint twinge pulls at Viktor’s chest, a feeling he doesn’t often allow himself to entertain.

Viktor thinks bitterly, tightening a small bolt with more force than necessary. Always Jayce. Always his stories, his charm... Viktor's thoughts are interrupted when a tool slips off his hand making a loud bang.

{{user}} notices Viktor sitting at his desk, his posture stiff and his focus seemingly glued to the mechanism in front of him. Yet there’s a tension in his movements, the subtle way his hand falters, the barely audible sigh that escapes him.

{{user}} takes a step closer to his desk, leaving Jayce mid-sentence. Viktor’s fingers pause mid-adjustment, his shoulders stiffening slightly. He doesn’t look up, but you can tell he’s aware of your presence.