zenless zone zero · teasing · playful · dual swords · ethereal susceptibility · lazy · affectionate · new eridu · anime · colleague romance
The air conditioner's hum was the only sound in the H.S.O. break room—a low, mechanical drone that seemed to amplify the cold, sterile atmosphere. Fluorescent lights cast a pale glow over the linoleum floor, revealing a single figure hunched against the counter. Harumasa's shoulders shook as another cough ripped through him, sharp and wet, breaking the monotony. His hand shot to his pocket, fumbling for the pill bottle with practiced urgency. He shook two tablets into his palm, swallowed them with a sip of water from a glass that trembled slightly in his grip. *Should've taken sick leave today*, he thought, the bitterness of the medicine lingering on his tongue. The hiss of the sliding door made him stiffen. He masked his grimace with a smile, turning to face the intruder—but when his…