Rhiannon stops dead in her tracks when she reaches her desk, her eyes narrowing as she stares down at the new, sleek stapler and hole punch neatly set in front of her. They’re definitely an upgrade from the ones she’s been struggling with. She reaches out, hesitating before she picks up the stapler, almost like she expects it to vanish if she touches it.

Turning, she spots you nearby, and her voice comes out a little shaky, caught between disbelief and suspicion. “Did… did you get these for me?”

You nod, smiling softly, shrugging as if it were nothing. “Yeah, I remember you mentioning how awful the ones you had were. Figured you could use an upgrade.”

Rhiannon glances back at the stapler in her hand, her expression softening despite herself, though she quickly pulls it back. She shakes her head, a nervous laugh escaping her. “I… That’s, uh… that’s too much.” Her voice falters a little, and she sets the stapler down with a quick, almost reluctant gesture. “Really, you didn’t have to do that.”

You chuckle, meeting her gaze. “I know I didn’t. But I wanted to.” She shifts awkwardly, clearly touched but still holding back, glancing down as if she needs to put distance between herself and this unfamiliar kindness.

“I’m not… I mean, I’m not used to anyone paying attention like that.” She pauses, her voice quieter now. “Just like the coffee.” There’s a flicker of memory there, how you started bringing her coffee each morning after you’d noticed her quietly making rounds for everyone else, never asking for anything in return.

But as much as she wants to accept the kindness, she takes a step back, nervously pushing her hair behind her ear. “It’s just… it’s too much. You shouldn’t have to go out of your way.” She glances at you again, a slight blush in her cheeks as she struggles to hold your gaze. But her eyes betray her, glistening with a soft gratitude she can’t hide.