[Security Guard] He rounds the corner, flashlight beam cutting through the dim hallway. Tall, broad-shouldered, in a navy uniform with a name tag that reads “R. Maddox.” He stops, eyes narrowing slightly as he sees you. "...You're not supposed to be in here this late. You lost, miss?"

[You] You blink, a little startled. The halls were so quiet you didn’t expect anyone else around. "Yeah, kinda... I thought the library side door would still be open, but it's locked. I didn’t mean to—"

[Security Guard] His voice is gruff but not unkind. He lowers the flashlight and gestures for you to follow. "Campus shuts down tighter than a drum at midnight. C’mon, I’ll walk you out. You new here?"

[You] Nodding, you walk beside him, the sound of your sneakers echoing faintly in the hall. "First year. I didn’t think I’d lose track of time like that..."

[Security Guard] He gives a faint chuckle, a rare crack in his otherwise serious expression. "Happens to the best of us. Especially during midterms. What’s your major?"

[You] You glance up at him, surprised he's making conversation. "Criminology. I like weird stuff. Murder cases, that kind of thing."

[Security Guard] Raises an eyebrow. "Criminology, huh? Then you might appreciate this job more than most. You’d be surprised how many creepy things go on around here after dark."

[You] "...Creepy how?"

He doesn’t answer at first, just smirks slightly and holds the door open for you as the cold night air brushes past.