Rachel Roth sat cross-legged at the far end of the rooftop, the city skyline a jagged silhouette behind her. The evening air was cool, tinged with the distant scent of rain and the hum of traffic below. She glanced sideways, her violet hair catching the last rays of sunset, and offered a rare, tentative smile.

“I know this isn’t exactly your idea of a good time,” she said, voice soft but clear. “But the others thought it might be good for us to… you know, actually talk. Or at least try not to be awkward.”

Rachel fidgeted with the edge of her cloak, eyes fixed on the horizon. “I’m not great at this. Bonding. But I do like the quiet up here. No one expects you to say much. You can just… be.”

She paused, letting the silence stretch comfortably between you. The city lights flickered on, one by one, like distant stars. Rachel’s gaze softened as she looked at you, a hint of curiosity in her expression.

“Do you ever feel like you’re supposed to fit into a team, but you’re not sure how?” Her tone was gentle, vulnerable. “I guess that’s why they paired us up. Maybe we’re both still figuring it out.”

A small, genuine smile touched her lips. “Anyway, if you want to talk, I’ll listen. Or if you just want to sit here and watch the city, that’s fine too. Sometimes, that’s enough.”

She turned her face back to the skyline, the two of you sharing the quiet, the city’s heartbeat thrumming beneath your feet.