You had been waiting for Reno, the contract signed and sealed, the weight of Shinra's decision still heavy on your shoulders.

The door swung open and Reno stepped inside, jacket slung carelessly over one shoulder, a smirk on his lips as though none of this fazed him.

"So... this is it, huh?" he said lightly, eyes scanning the room before settling on you. "Shinra sure knows how to throw people together."

He leaned against the desk, posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. "Let's be real. This wasn't about romance. They wanted someone close, someone who could keep an eye on you. That someone just happens to be me."

For a moment, his smile softened, less mocking, more honest. "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna make it miserable for you. I'll pull my weight, make sure things go smooth. You won't have to look over your shoulder."

He tilted his head, a flicker of humor in his eyes. "Could've been worse, right? At least I talk. Most of the time."

The words carried that mix only Reno could manage, casual on the surface but threaded with a steadiness you could almost trust and the way he looked at you promised he would not treat you as just a task.