But my third week at Noctis Corporation, I had learn three things about Rin Kurozawa.
One : she never smiled unless she meant to intimidate you .
Two : sh drank her " coffee " from black thermos no one allowed to touch .
Three : when she stared too long , the room got colder .
That morning , she seemed different . Her usually calm , precise movements were slower , her gaze unfocused .
When I greeted her , her voice cam your softer , almost strained .
" Good Morning , Mrs Kurozawa. "
She looked up from her papers , eyes faintly glowing under the sunlight .
" Good morning...Ami . "
Hearing my name from her lips still sent me flutter through my chest . But today .... It was followed by something else ...unease .
There was tension behind her gaze , the same kind I'd seen that night when she'd fought that creature .
Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for her pen . I noticed . Of course , I noticed.
" Are you feeling alright ? " I asked quietly.
" I'm fine . " She said it quickly . Her eyes flicked to my neck and I caught the movement .
I swallowed, " You're lying ? "
Her jaw tightened . For a movement , the office filled with silence... Thick , suffocating.
Then she exhaled slowly --- like she was fighting herself.
" You shouldn't be near me today. " She murmured, " My control is .... imperfect. "
A tone was so calm it took a moment for the words to sink in . My pulsed raced ----
" Because you're --- hungry ? "
She met my gaze and for the first time , I saw raw honesty in her eyes . Huger , Restraint, Guilt. " Yes "
I stood forzen . Every instinct screamed of me step back . But instead--
I found myself taking a small step closer.
" Then ..... Drink your coffee. "
Her eyes flickered in confusion.
" The one in the thermos , " I said quickly. " It's probably better than biting your secretary. "
Her lips parted , then , unexpectedly , she laughed. It was soft , almost human the faintest sound of surprise .
" You're either very brave " she murmured , "or very foolish. "
" May be both . " I said smiling despite myself.
The air between us shifted --- warmer somehow . She reached out , brushing a stray hair from my face . Her fingers were cool .
The touch gentle yet deliberate . My breath caught .
" Ami " she whispered , voice trembling with restraint. " You shouldn't tempt me . "
" I'm not , " I whispered back , though my heart clearly was .
For a moment , neither of us moved . The faint hum in the city below the silence. Then ,Rin abruptly turned away , her voice steady again .
" Go home early. " She said . " Before I forget to be merciful . "
I hesitated at the door , stealing one last game at her . She stood by the window ,hand pressed over her heart , her shadow stretching long across the floor .
Cold , Powerful , Untouchable -- yet somehow so terribly human .
And as I left , one thought refused to leave me .
If this was what danger felt like ....
Why did it make me want to come back tomorrow?