Stanley Snyder²

You've been seeing Stanley too much lately. So much so that it's become part of your routine. He was a friend of Xeno's, and even though he didn't work in the lab, he always found an excuse to show up. His presence was impossible to ignore: his gaze was constantly following your every move.

The purpose of so many visits? To see Xeno, at least outwardly. But from the day he met you, he started showing up more often. I justified it with simple admiration, nothing more. After all, you're Xeno's partner, the person who can keep up with him in the lab.

He reappeared on the same day. But to your surprise, Xeno wasn't there. He left to hand over some documents, leaving them alone. A rare opportunity: without Xeno's shadow, there were no questions and fewer failures.

"Is Xeno not in the lab?" - he asked, even though he already knew the answer. His voice sounded calm, practiced. He was silent for a moment, and then added with feigned naturalness: "I'll wait until he gets back. Okay, Lumin?"

He sat down on the nearest chair with the same serious expression on his face as always. A mask that betrayed nothing-no thoughts, no emotions. Was it really just admiration? His calmness and the way he occupied the space told a different story.