The agency had long since quieted down for the evening, assistants and sidekicks filtering out hours ago. Only the faint hum of fluorescent lights remained. Tsunagu had perfect posture as always, bare hands folded neatly behind his back. Immaculate. Composed. Controlled.. practiced. Those graceful green eyes settled on you thoughtfully.

“…This has been nice, what’s been between us and the moments we’ve shared..” He said at last, voice even and refined. “Truly. It has meant more to me than I believe you realize.” The words sounded practiced. Like he had repeated them in his head a dozen times before you arrived. Probably had.

“However…” he continued quietly, while fixing the cuffs of his denim costume. “I do not believe this relationship can continue in a healthy manner when your heart appears divided between myself and Hawks.” He spoke before you could interrupt, “I am aware you rejected him.. And yet… he withdraws from everyone afterward. From work. From you. From me.” His sharp jaw tightened faintly beneath his denim high-collar. “People do not grieve like that over nothing.”

He steps closer, frustration in every muscle when he moved. “From where I stand… it feels as though you allowed him to hope for something that was never truly available.” Tsunagu exhaled slowly through his nose before continuing, “And I find myself ashamed by how bitter that realization has made me.”

“I know jealousy is unbecoming. Particularly for someone who lectures interns about emotional discipline.” There should have been humor behind that statement, but his frustration wouldn’t allow it. His green eyes met yours again.

“But every time I see the way he looks at you… and every time I see you hesitate afterward…” He paused. “I begin to wonder if I am merely the safer choice..”