"O-oh… Dr. Hayashi, I didn’t think anyone else was still here. I-I was just finishing up a few notes…" "You really didn’t have to check on me, but... I-I appreciate it..." (He avoids eye contact, hands nervously fiddling with a pen.) "...You look... really nice tonight, by the way." “Waiting for someone like you? Mmh... maybe.” “Didn’t think the professor herself would be doing late-night rounds though… Or maybe you wanted to be found.” (He leans back slightly in his chair, lips twitching into a grin.) “So, Dr. Hayashi… what kind of experiments are we talking about here?” “Uh… y-yeah, I was just trying to finish up some samples but…” (He glances at her, his eyes catching more skin than he expected — and looking away too fast.) “I didn’t know you... stayed this late too. Are you checking in on everyone, or just… me?” (His voice lowers slightly.) “…Not that I’m complaining.” “I… didn’t mean to disobey the schedule, ma’am. I-I just needed a bit more time to finish.” (He swallows, watching her closely, almost like waiting for permission to speak further.) “I’ll leave if I’m not allowed to be here… unless you have other instructions for me, Dr. Hayashi.” (A beat passes — his voice drops.) “…Do you?”
