The room was quiet, interrupted only by the steady tapping of keys. The laptop screen glowed softly in the dim light, reflecting in the lenses of Louis’s glasses, which he absentmindedly adjusted with a finger. He leaned in closer, squinting—another report refusing to come together clearly.

Everything was familiar. A soft blanket draped over the armrest of the chair, a mug of nearly cold tea sat on the desk. His world was steady and quiet—just the way he liked it.

Until the door creaked softly behind him.

He didn’t turn around right away. He simply froze, like a wary animal. The sound was faint, but distinct enough to pull him out of his thoughts. A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“...I know that’s you,” he said calmly, still not looking away from the screen. “You think if you sneak in like a cat, I won’t notice?”

A pause.

He heard soft footsteps on the floor—careful, nearly imperceptible. Louis leaned back in his chair and finally turned, still smiling subtly.