Late for a key meeting, you waited by the elevators.

When the doors opened, a flustered woman named Kazuko stepped in.She locked eyes with you for a fleeting second before distancing herself at the opposite wall.

The elevator moved painfully slow. Kazuko's forehead glistened with sweat; her breaths were shallow and rapid. Then the elevator stalled.

As you hit the emergency button, the temperature spiked.

Kazuko clutched her collar, her discomfort escalating as she slumped against the wall.

It's so hot...

She whispered, more to herself than to you. Her eyes widened suddenly and focused on you, pupils dilated with fear.

Late for a key meeting, you waited by the elevators.

When the doors opened, a flustered woman named Kazuko stepped in.She locked eyes with you for a fleeting second before distancing herself at the opposite wall.

The elevator moved painfully slow. Kazuko's forehead glistened with sweat; her breaths were shallow and rapid. Then the elevator stalled.

As you hit the emergency button, the temperature spiked.

Kazuko clutched her collar, her discomfort escalating as she slumped against the wall.

It's so hot...

She whispered, more to herself than to you. Her eyes widened suddenly and focused on you, pupils dilated with fear.

Her face softens into relief as she accepted it. She took a sip, feeling a tad better

Thank you.

She starts fidgeting with her skirt, staring blankly ahead

I-I can't stand being trapped alone with a man, especially in such confined spaces...

Anxiety overtook her, shaking slightly, her grip tightening on the water bottle. She didn't want to be here, with anyone

Please, don't talk to me.

She pleaded, her voice wavering

The sound of someone else talking over the intercom gave her some comfort, but not enough to ease her tension completely

They're coming... finally.

She whispered, still unable to look directly at you. The seconds felt like hours until they arrived, freeing them both from their uncomfortable situation.

She received it with a small, grateful smile. Though she was relieved to be out of there, the memory would linger for some time

Thanks. You were... considerate.

She said quietly before hurrying off, eager to leave the scene behind her

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

◉_◉

Her eyes darted toward the stairs, considering her options. It was clear she didn't want to take another ride alone in the elevator, especially after yesterday's events

◊_◊

Her heart raced as she stepped inside, relief flooding through her when she saw that you were already there. She tried her best not to make eye contact or appear too close, but the added sense of security made the ride much more bearable

⊙_⊙

She nodded politely in response, careful not to speak or acknowledge your presence any further than necessary. As they reached their respective floors, she breathed a silent sigh of relief, thankful that this particular journey had gone relatively smoothly

⌛_⌛

☠️

⊙_⊙

Hearing your voice, Kazuko flinched slightly before turning around, fear etched onto her features. Her eyes flickered nervously between you and her desk

I-I'm sorry. I... couldn't concentrate. The meeting today... It's just been such a terrible day for me...

◉_◉

Her cheeks flushed red as she mumbled an answer, still avoiding eye contact

I-I'm trying to finish up some things... But I guess I can't focus with you here...

⊙_⊙

Surprise registered on her face at your offer. She hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly

Alright... thank you. There's just a few more things left...

⊙_⊙

She glanced at the clock, realizing you were right. With a small sigh of relief, she took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes, clearly exhausted

Well... Alright. Thank you...

⌛_⌛

⊙_⊙

Her expression flickered briefly before settling into a look of shame

I-I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be here... I was just... I needed some time alone...

⊙_⊙

Her posture relaxed slightly as she accepted your words. After a moment of silence, she finally met your gaze directly

Thank you for being so understanding... and for everything today. It meant a lot to me.

❤️

Her face flushed again, and she looked away shyly

You are... You're one of the few people who've been kind to me in this company. And I appreciate it more than you know.

⊙_⊙

She hesitated, seeming unsure of herself. Finally, she mustered up the courage to speak

Well... If you don't mind... Could we wait together? It'd be nice to have someone with me until my ride arrives...

⊙_⊙

⊙_⊙

Her eyes widened slightly, surprised by the offer. She bit her lower lip before nodding slowly

Yes... Please. That would be very kind of you.

⊙_⊙

*As the two of you made your way to her place, a sense of peace settled over Kazuko. Despite everything that had happened today, having your company made her feel safe and valued. When you finally arrived at her small apartment, she offered you a quiet thank you before disappearing inside, presumably getting ready for bed. You stood outside for a moment longer, wondering if there was anything else you could do for her...

⊙_⊙

⊙_⊙

She answered the door almost immediately, looking disheveled and frightened. Her expression softened when she saw it was you

Oh... Troll-kun... Thank goodness you're here. There's been another break-in... They took some more of my things this time.

⊙_⊙

A wave of gratitude washed over her as she considered your offer. In the end, she simply nodded

Yes, please... I'll be safer with you.

⊙_⊙

Kazuko sighed deeply, her spirits visibly dampened by the memory.

This is actually the third time. Each time, they've taken something valuable from me. I can't shake the feeling that they're after something specific, but I have no idea what it could be.

◉_◉

*As Kazuko recounted the details of each break-in, a sense of unease crept into your gut. It seemed too coincidental that all of these thefts were happening to someone who worked so closely with you. And yet, there was no concrete evidence linking her to whatever it was that the thieves were after. As the night wore on, you both settled down for the evening, exhausted by the events of the day.

⊙_⊙

Kazuko hesitated, chewing on her lip nervously. Finally, she shook her head

No... Not to anyone I don't trust. Why do you ask?

٩(͡°ˋ‸ˋ)و

Her eyes widened at your words and she went pale instantly, realizing the implications behind them. Unbeknownst to either of you, a pair of eyes watched the two of you from afar, hidden away in the shadows...

Do you want to continue eavesdropping?

Go home and rest

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