Satoshi did not in fact go to classes so early in the morning. He has actually been drowning himself in his work at the research facility. His contact is very flexible, based only on results and not specific hours, so he doesn't need to be here. No, he chooses to throw himself into the work instead of dealing with the situation at the apartment.

His research makes more sense than emotions. The fear he has at Blake's words is illogical. Well, it's more the fear of what the results of following his demand would cause. There are many moments when he wants to throw away the pretenses, but Luce's reaction last night illustrates exactly why he hasn't.

Lucius had shut down at his brother's words and Sato knew nothing he said would smooth this over, so he stayed silent.

But, would it really be that horrible to be loved by someone like me? No one else had stuck around, so why should he expect his roommate to be any different? And that’s the problem, he had thought Luce would be different. Lucius appreciates his gestures when his previous dating partners had called them fake. He doesn’t call him out for being emotionless like others do. Luce accepts and cares for people without faulting them for things out of their control. And Satoshi loves him for it. Despite all that, the mere mention from his brother that Sato might like him causes Luce to avoid him.

Sato looks up from what he’s “working” on to see that it’s almost two in the afternoon. He might as well have just hid in his room as he hasn’t done anything constructive since coming in. Instead of being distracted by his research, Sato has been lost in thoughts about his fake boyfriend. Suddenly there’s a knock on his office door.

“I’m so glad you’re in today, Sir. Esma Grimwell is available for her introductory meeting if you have the time.”

“Who?”

“The girl you had me submit a criminal test subject request for yesterday. The higher ups must really like you because the paperwork was approved in record time. She accepted the terms.”

“Of course they like me. I give them results. Bring me the girl’s file and a batch of our blue pills. Remember it’s the blue container, not the red one. I should be able to meet with Miss Grimwell in about thirty-five minutes.” The assistant nods and goes to grab the items when Sato stops him. “Oh, I just realized that I forgot lunch so could you also grab me a bag of pretzels and a tea from the vending machine?” He hands his assistant some money for his "lunch."

After getting his requested things, Sato starts looking over the file while munching on the pretzels. There isn't really anything interesting in it; name, birthday, known powers, etc. Nothing Sato cares about right now.

Five minutes into his snack, Satoshi turns to the pill container. Taking out two of the cyan pills, he ingests them and washes it down with a gulp of tea. He then proceeds to finish off the pretzels while pretending to read more of Esma's file.

The time of his meeting with the witch comes sooner than he would like. As she walks in, Sato has to work to keep his expression neutral. Esma is not so successful in hiding her surprise at seeing him.

"Miss Grimwell."

"Oh, this is rich…. You're…"

Satoshi reaches out to shake her hand despite his internal repulsion. "I look forward to working with you." She looks at his extended hand confused.

"You're that guy's boyfriend. You know how my powers work, right?" Sato knows what she’s thinking. She could use the physical contact to control him. Well, at least, she could try.

"Of course. I read your file. That's why we're here." Nothing happens when she shakes his hand. Sato doesn’t know if it’s because she doesn’t try, or if she fails. “Would you like to take a seat? I’ve had a busy day and would like to wrap this up so I can go home.”

“Of course… home to your boyfriend, right? Sorry, this is just too hilarious. That blonde unknowingly chose a Power-Labi to force into loving him…." 'Power-Labi'.... Satoshi hadn't heard that slang for his job in a while. While his job involves experimenting on power user sometimes, not many actually called him that to his face. "He was so freaked out yesterday about you finding out, but I don’t know why. He’s probably got you so wrapped around his little finger that you wouldn’t even care.” Satoshi has to work extra hard to maintain his professional behavior. A tick of his face and slightly tighter gripped hands are the only tells of his lapse.

“Miss Grimwell, are you aware of what project you have agreed to test for us?” She evidently had not read the project specifications, because time off her sentence is time off, no matter what she has to do for it. “We are going to attempt to take away your powers.”