Something was wrong.

The way Rylan spoke—the way he looked at him—it wasn’t normal. He wasn’t just some new employee being transferred to a better position.

No, this was something else.

“Taro!”

He snapped out of his daze as a hand waved in front of his face. His new coworker, a cheerful woman named Ayaka, gave him a curious look. “Spacing out on your first day already?”

Taro forced a smile. “Ah, yeah. Just a lot to take in.”

“Understandable. Headquarters is a whole different world from a small branch. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

He nodded, but deep down, he doubted that. Something told him his transfer wasn’t just a simple career move.

It was a chess piece being moved into place.

And he had no idea who was playing the game.

---

Later that evening, Taro sat on the train, heading home. The city lights blurred past the window, but he barely noticed. His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts.

Elian: So? How was your first day at the big scary headquarters?

Taro hesitated before typing back.

Taro: Weird.

A second later, Elian replied.

Elian: Weird how?

Taro stared at the screen. Should he tell him?

Something inside him hesitated. He didn’t know why, but for now, he kept it vague.

Taro: Just different. A lot to take in.

Elian’s next message came quickly.

Elian: Sounds like you need a distraction. Let’s eat out when you get a day off.

Taro chuckled despite himself.

Taro: You just want an excuse to eat expensive food, don’t you?

Elian: Maybe. But also, I haven’t seen you much, and I get bored easily.

Taro shook his head, a small smile lingering on his lips.

Taro: Alright, I’ll let you know.

For now, he pushed aside the unsettling feeling in his chest.

He’d deal with it later.