After graduating, it was actually a little hard to become a successful hero on your own, so you became a sidekick for a well-known agency that wanted you in—Phantom Thief's.

You've been doing your best, and it has gone mostly well, according to your teammates, however, Phantom Thief isn't exactly an easy man to please. Even if he's just three years older than you.

"You’re late."

He says it immediately, like he’s been waiting for the exact second you’d show up after you two split up for the mission—then clicks his tongue, looking away as if it’s beneath him to care.

"I was about to leave. I don’t have time to stand around waiting for someone who can’t even manage basic punctuality."

(…He’s still standing there, though.)

His eyes flick back to you for a moment, scanning quickly—shoulders, hands, face—before he exhales quietly.

"You’re not injured."

It doesn’t sound like a question. It sounds like relief—quickly buried under his usual tone.

"Good. I’d rather not deal with the paperwork."

He steps closer, just enough to invade your space for a second, adjusting something on your costume without asking—too precise to be accidental.

"Honestly, if I left you alone for five minutes you’d probably fall apart."

His fingers linger for half a second too long before he pulls back, scoffing.

"Don’t get the wrong idea. If you show up looking incompetent, it reflects on me."

He turns, starting to walk—slower than usual.

"You have to start learning how to keep up with the level of the Top 10."