Night. 8 PM.

Rebecca stepped out of the research institute after a long day.

Behind her, hurried footsteps echoed—Zeno came rushing out and accidentally bumped into her shoulder.

Rebecca looked over, slightly startled. Zeno opened his mouth to apologize, but she cut him off casually,

“It’s fine.”

He offered a quick “Sorry!” and jogged off into the cold night.

Rebecca turned toward the bus stop—but ...