The next day came, and it was time to pack up and head back home. The sun had barely risen when everyone began dismantling their tents, folding sleeping bags, and tidying up the campsite. The lively chatter from the previous days was replaced by a quiet sense of accomplishment and exhaustion.
Haruka carefully folded her belongings, her mind lingering on the events of the team-building retreat. The open forum had left her feeling strangely light, as if she had shed some invisible burden she hadn't realized she'd been carrying.
"Need any help?" Yuto's voice broke through her thoughts. He stood nearby, his own backpack slung over one shoulder, looking ready to assist.
"I think I've got it," Haruka replied with a small smile, zipping her bag shut. "But thanks."
As they loaded their belongings into the company buses, Takumi did a final headcount, ensuring no one was left behind. Once everyone was accounted for, the group piled into the vehicles, settling into their seats for the long ride back to the city.
The journey was quieter than the ride to the campsite. Some employees dozed off, while others scrolled through their phones or chatted softly. Haruka found herself gazing out the window, watching the scenery shift from lush greenery to the familiar urban skyline.
Yuto, seated next to her, eventually broke the silence. "So, back to reality, huh?" he said with a chuckle.
"Yeah," Haruka replied, turning to him. "But I think reality feels a little different now. In a good way."
Yuto nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get what you mean. This trip... it kind of made me realize some things. Like how much I still have to learn—and how important it is to have people you can count on."
Haruka smiled, appreciating his sincerity. "Well, you're off to a good start. You handled yourself pretty well for your first team event."
"Thanks," Yuto said, a hint of shyness in his voice. "And thanks for all your help. I'm lucky to have you as my mentor."
As the bus neared the city, Takumi stood up at the front to address everyone. "I just want to thank you all for your participation and enthusiasm during this retreat. Let's carry this energy and teamwork back into the office and keep supporting each other as we move forward."
The group clapped softly, and the atmosphere felt warmer, more united than before.
When they finally arrived back at the office, everyone parted ways, exchanging farewells and promises to catch up later. Haruka lingered for a moment, watching as her colleagues disappeared into the bustling city streets.
"Ready to head home?" Yuto asked, stepping beside her.
"Yeah," Haruka said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Back to the grind."
As they walked toward the train station, Haruka couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement for what lay ahead. The retreat had not only strengthened her bond with her coworkers but had also sparked something new within her—a small, cautious hope for connection and growth, both professionally and personally.
Later that day, since the team had just returned from the retreat, everyone was given the day off to rest and recover. Haruka welcomed the rare break, glad to have some time to herself after the whirlwind of activities over the past few days.
She dropped her bag by the door as she entered her apartment, kicking off her shoes and letting out a long sigh. The silence of her space felt comforting, a stark contrast to the constant buzz of conversations and team-building exercises.
After a quick shower to wash away the remnants of the outdoors, Haruka changed into a cozy sweater and sat on her couch with a cup of tea. She scrolled through her phone, responding to a few messages from colleagues who were still buzzing about the retreat.
*"Great teamwork, Haruka! Can't wait to see how we apply it at the office."*
*"Yuto really came out of his shell, huh? You've been a good influence on him."*
The last message made her smile. Yuto had grown noticeably more confident over the retreat, and Haruka felt a sense of pride knowing she'd played a part in that.
As she put her phone down, she leaned back and stared at the ceiling. The open forum had been eye-opening for everyone, including herself. She thought about Takumi's leadership, Aiko's competitive nature, and Yuto's eagerness to learn. The retreat had been more than just a work event—it had been a chance to understand herself and her colleagues on a deeper level.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone buzzing again. She reached for it, half-expecting another message from work, but this time, it was from Yuto.
*"Thanks for being patient with me these past few days. Hope you're taking it easy today—don't forget to rest too!"*
Haruka smiled, quickly typing back a reply. *"Thanks, Yuto. Same to you! Make sure you don't spend the day overthinking work stuff."*
After sending the message, she set her phone aside and closed her eyes, letting the calmness of the moment wash over her. For the first time in a while, Haruka felt a sense of balance—both within herself and in her relationships with those around her.
Tomorrow, work would resume, and the usual routine would take over, but for now, she allowed herself to simply be.
The next day, Haruka woke up feeling refreshed, ready to get back to her usual routine. The retreat had left her with a clearer mindset, and she was determined to carry the positive energy into her work.
After her usual morning routine, she grabbed her bag and headed to the office. The streets were bustling as always, but Haruka felt a lightness in her step that she hadn't felt in a while.
When she arrived, the office was already alive with activity. Her colleagues were exchanging stories and laughing about moments from the retreat. Haruka spotted Yuto at his desk, already setting up for the day.
"Good morning," she greeted him as she approached her cubicle.
Yuto looked up and smiled. "Morning, Haruka! Ready to dive back into work?"
"Always," she replied with a small laugh, settling into her seat.
As the day progressed, the office hummed with the usual rhythm of ringing phones and typing. Haruka handled her calls with renewed focus, her confidence boosted by the team-building experience.
By mid-morning, Takumi walked through the rows of desks, checking in with everyone. He paused by Haruka's cubicle, offering her a nod. "Good to see you back in action, Haruka. Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, Takumi," she said, feeling a sense of pride in his acknowledgment.
Around noon, Yuto appeared at her cubicle. "Hey, Haruka, want to grab lunch together? I found this place nearby that's supposed to have amazing curry."
Haruka considered for a moment before nodding. "Sure, sounds good. Let me finish up this call, and I'll meet you by the elevators."
As the two stepped out of the office for their lunch break, Haruka felt a sense of normalcy returning to her life. The retreat had been a welcome change of pace, but now, she was ready to tackle the challenges of her job with a fresh perspective.
The day continued smoothly, with Haruka and her colleagues falling back into their routines. Despite the return to normalcy, Haruka couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted—something that hinted at new beginnings and possibilities waiting just around the corner.
As the two were minding their business, the rest of their colleagues couldn't help but notice how much closer Haruka and Yuto had become. Their laughter during lunch breaks, the way Yuto often sought Haruka's guidance, and their easy camaraderie had not gone unnoticed.
"Don't you think they might be dating?" whispered one of their colleagues, leaning closer to a small group gathered near the water cooler.
"Who knows," another chimed in, glancing at the pair through the glass meeting room. "But I have to say, they do look good together."
"They're probably just friends," a third said with a shrug, though their tone carried a hint of curiosity.
"Everyone, let's not make assumptions," Ms. Nakamura interrupted, her voice calm but firm as she joined the conversation. "Haruka and Yuto are colleagues, and it's not our place to speculate about their personal lives. Let's focus on our own work, shall we?"
The group exchanged sheepish looks, muttering quiet apologies before dispersing back to their desks.
Meanwhile, Haruka and Yuto, unaware of the chatter, continued discussing a tricky call Yuto had taken earlier. "I think you handled it well," Haruka said, her tone encouraging. "Next time, just try to steer the conversation back to the caller's main concern sooner."
"Thanks, Haruka," Yuto replied, jotting down notes. "I'll keep that in mind."
Though the two remained oblivious to the speculative glances, their growing bond didn't go unnoticed by everyone else in the office. Whether it was just a blossoming friendship or something more, it added an intriguing dynamic to the workplace that others couldn't help but quietly observe.
Takumi sat at his desk, poring over reports when the faint murmurs of conversation outside caught his attention. His office, located right beside the meeting room, made it easy to overhear bits and pieces of the chatter.
"Don't you think they might be dating?" someone had asked.
Takumi's pen paused mid-sentence as his ears perked up. Though he wasn't one to indulge in workplace gossip, the mention of Haruka and Yuto piqued his curiosity.
"Who knows, but I have to say they do look good together," another voice added.
He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. It wasn't like him to eavesdrop, but something about the conversation made him feel uneasy.
"They're just friends, everyone. No need to make any assumptions," Ms. Nakamura's authoritative tone cut through the murmurs.
Takumi exhaled quietly, a small frown forming as he turned his attention back to his work. However, the words lingered in his mind. Haruka and Yuto had indeed grown closer over the past few days, but Takumi hadn't paid it much thought until now.
*Why does it even bother me?* he wondered, trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling. Haruka was his junior, someone he respected and guided professionally. But the thought of her being the subject of office gossip—and potentially growing closer to Yuto—stirred something he didn't fully understand.
Glancing at the glass wall separating his office from the rest of the workspace, Takumi caught a glimpse of Haruka and Yuto laughing over something. His jaw tightened slightly, but he quickly pushed the emotion aside.
With a deep breath, he straightened in his chair and refocused on his reports. *It's none of my business. What matters is that the team works well together.* Yet, no matter how much he told himself that, the image of Haruka and Yuto lingered in his mind longer than he would have liked.
As Takumi sat at his desk, still lost in his thoughts about the conversation he'd overheard, the sound of the door opening pulled him back to reality. Aoki stepped in without knocking, her usual confident demeanor on full display.
"Takumi," she said with a bright smile, shutting the door behind her. "You're looking deep in thought. Care to share what's on your mind?"
Takumi adjusted his posture, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Just work. What do you need, Aoki?"
Aoki walked over, placing a folder on his desk. "These are the reports you requested earlier," she said, her voice sweet but laced with a hint of something more. "But I couldn't help noticing how distracted you seemed just now. Are you sure it's just work?"
Takumi glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It is. Thanks for bringing these over."
But Aoki wasn't one to give up so easily. She leaned slightly against the desk, her eyes studying him. "You know, I heard some interesting chatter outside. Everyone's talking about Haruka and that new guy, Yuto. Don't you think they've been spending a lot of time together lately?"
Takumi's jaw tightened, but he kept his tone neutral. "What they do is their business, as long as it doesn't affect work."
Aoki tilted her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You're always so professional, Takumi. But it must bother you, at least a little. I mean, you've known Haruka longer. Shouldn't she be leaning on you instead of someone who just joined the team?"
Takumi met her gaze, his tone firm. "Aoki, what bothers me is gossip disrupting productivity. If that's all, I'd appreciate it if you'd focus on your tasks."
Aoki straightened, a flicker of irritation crossing her face before she masked it with a smile. "Of course, Takumi. Just looking out for you."
She turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back over her shoulder. "If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
As the door closed behind her, Takumi let out a quiet sigh. Aoki's words had only added to his unease. He shook his head, forcing himself to concentrate on the work in front of him. *This is ridiculous,* he thought. *I need to stay focused.*
But no matter how much he tried, the thought of Haruka and Yuto's growing connection lingered stubbornly in the back of his mind.
Meanwhile, Haruka and Yuto were still at their desks, busy handling the steady stream of calls. The office had settled into its usual rhythm, but the camaraderie between the two didn't go unnoticed.
Haruka glanced at Yuto after finishing a particularly challenging call. "How's it going over there? Any tricky ones?"
Yuto stretched his arms and let out a small sigh. "A few, but nothing I couldn't handle. One caller was venting about their long-distance relationship. Honestly, I'm just glad they didn't hang up midway."
Haruka chuckled. "You're doing great, though. It gets easier the more you do it. Trust me."
"Thanks, Haruka. It's easier having someone like you guiding me," Yuto said with a genuine smile, which caught Haruka slightly off guard.
Before she could respond, another call came through, and the two quickly returned to their tasks.
During a brief lull in calls, Yuto leaned over slightly. "By the way," he began hesitantly, "I was thinking about what you said the other day—about taking breaks and trying new things. I've been wondering if I should join a club or something. What do you think?"
Haruka raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden change of topic. "That's a great idea! It's good to have something outside of work. What kind of club are you thinking of?"
"I'm not sure yet," Yuto admitted, scratching the back of his head. "Maybe something active, like hiking, or even something creative like photography."
Haruka smiled. "Photography sounds fun. You could even bring some of your photos to share at work."
Yuto laughed. "Maybe I'll consider it. Would you join a club if you had the chance?"
Haruka tilted her head, considering his question. "I'm not sure. I've never really thought about it. Maybe something relaxing, like yoga or painting."
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden flurry of calls, and the two quickly got back to work.
As the day wound down, Yuto looked over at Haruka. "Thanks for the advice earlier," he said. "You're not just a good mentor—you're easy to talk to."
Haruka felt a small blush creeping up but brushed it off with a laugh. "It's part of the job, Yuto. But I appreciate the compliment."
Though they returned to their desks, the lightheartedness of their exchange lingered, adding a warmth to the otherwise routine day. Little did they know, their growing bond was stirring even more curiosity among their colleagues—and perhaps, sparking emotions in others they didn't yet realize.
Just then, the phones buzzed again, signaling another round of calls. Haruka adjusted her headset and clicked to answer the incoming call.
"Thank you for calling Love 119. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?" she greeted warmly.
A hesitant voice came through the line. "Um... hi. I'm not sure if I should even be calling, but... I just don't know what to do anymore."
Haruka softened her tone, sensing the caller's unease. "It's okay. Take your time. I'm here to listen. What's been troubling you?"
The caller sighed. "It's just... I'm 25, and I've been single my whole life. Every time I try to date, it's like the guy loses interest after just one day. I don't know what's wrong with me. Am I just unlikable?"
Haruka's heart ached at the vulnerability in the girl's voice. "I'm so sorry you're feeling this way," she said gently. "But let me assure you, there's nothing wrong with you. Sometimes, it's more about finding the right connection than anything else."
"But what if it's me?" the girl said, her voice breaking slightly. "I overthink everything. I always end up asking too many questions or coming off too strong. Maybe I'm just not cut out for love."
Haruka paused thoughtfully before replying. "Love isn't something you need to rush into or force. It's about finding someone who appreciates you for who you are—quirks and all. Maybe instead of focusing on the idea of finding 'the one,' you could focus on things you enjoy. When you're genuinely happy and confident in yourself, the right person will see that and be drawn to it."
There was silence on the other end for a moment. Then, the girl spoke again, her tone softer. "I guess I've been too focused on trying to make others happy instead of figuring out what makes *me* happy."
"That's a great realization," Haruka encouraged. "Take it one step at a time. Start with things that make you feel fulfilled. The rest will follow naturally."
The girl let out a small laugh, tinged with relief. "Thank you, Haruka. I feel a little less hopeless now. I'll give it a try."
Haruka smiled. "I'm glad I could help. Remember, it's okay to take your time. You're worth it."
As the call ended, Haruka leaned back in her chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. These were the moments that reminded her why she loved her job.
Meanwhile, Yuto finished his own call and glanced over. "Another satisfied caller?" he teased lightly.
Haruka nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's not always easy, but sometimes, all people need is a little encouragement."
Yuto smiled. "You're good at that. I hope I can handle calls like you someday."
"You're already doing great," Haruka replied, giving him a thumbs-up.
The two prepared for their next calls, unaware that the challenges and connections they handled were slowly shaping not only the lives of their callers but their own as well.
After a brief break, Haruka and Yuto returned to their desks, ready for the next set of calls. Haruka's phone rang first, and she quickly adjusted her headset.
"Thank you for calling Love 119. This is Haruka. How can I assist you today?"
A shy, nervous voice came through. "Hi, um... I feel kind of silly for calling, but... I just don't know what to do anymore."
Haruka's voice softened. "There's no need to feel silly. What's on your mind?"
The caller hesitated before continuing. "Well, I'm... I'm in love with an idol. He's everything I've ever dreamed of—kind, talented, good-looking—but the thing is, he's completely out of reach. I know I'll never meet him, and even if I did, I'm just one fan among millions. It's... frustrating."
Haruka leaned forward, her tone empathetic. "It's understandable to feel that way. Admiring someone from afar, especially someone as influential as an idol, can create a strong emotional connection. But it's important to remind yourself that their persona is crafted for the public. There's a difference between who they are as a performer and who they are as a person."
"But how do I stop feeling like this?" the caller asked. "I know it's unrealistic, but I can't help it."
"Start by shifting your focus to things within your reach," Haruka suggested. "Try exploring hobbies or meeting new people who share your interests. It doesn't mean you have to stop being a fan, but creating a balance can help you feel more grounded."
The caller sighed, but there was a hint of relief in their voice. "I guess that makes sense. Thank you, Haruka. I'll give it a try."
"Take it one step at a time," Haruka encouraged before ending the call.
No sooner had she finished than Yuto gestured toward his phone, indicating he was taking the next call. He listened intently, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Thank you for calling Love 119. This is Yuto. How can I help you?"
The voice on the other end was lively but carried a hint of frustration. "Hi, so I've got a weird problem. I'm in love with fictional characters. Like, completely head over heels. And because of that, real-life guys just don't measure up. It's like my standards are through the roof, and I can't bring myself to like anyone."
Yuto blinked, taken aback, but quickly composed himself. "That's an interesting situation," he said thoughtfully. "Fictional characters are written to be perfect in certain ways, which can make them really appealing. But real people are complex, with flaws and strengths that can't always be compared to an idealized character."
"I know," the caller admitted. "But every time I try to date, I keep thinking, 'He's not as charming as my favorite character' or 'He wouldn't do this romantic thing like my book boyfriend would.' It's so frustrating."
"Have you thought about what you're truly looking for in a relationship?" Yuto asked. "Sometimes, breaking it down into values and traits rather than comparing to a specific character can help. Real-life connections are about understanding and growing together, not just checking off a list of ideal qualities."
The caller paused, then laughed softly. "I guess I've been setting myself up for disappointment. Maybe I should try to be more open-minded."
"Exactly," Yuto said with a smile. "And who knows? You might find someone who surprises you in ways you didn't expect."
After ending the call, Yuto turned to Haruka, who had been listening quietly. "That was... unique," he said with a chuckle.
Haruka grinned. "Welcome to Love 119, where no problem is too strange."
They both laughed, the lighthearted moment helping to ease the tension of the workday.
As Haruka stretched her arms after wrapping up her previous call, one of her colleagues approached her cubicle hesitantly.
"Umm, Haruka," the colleague began, clutching a clipboard nervously. "You've been specifically requested by a caller. Will you take it?"
Haruka blinked in surprise. It wasn't uncommon for her to get return callers, but the request felt a little out of the ordinary. "Me? Specifically?" she asked, tilting her head.
Her colleague nodded. "Yes, they were quite insistent. Said they wouldn't speak to anyone else."
Haruka let out a soft sigh but offered a small smile. "Alright, patch them through. I'll handle it."
Sliding her headset back on, she clicked to accept the call. "This is Haruka. You requested me? How can I assist you today?"
There was a brief silence before a familiar voice spoke. "Haruka... it's me, Naoki."
Her eyes widened slightly, recognizing the college student who'd become somewhat of a regular caller. "Naoki? You again," she said, her tone a mix of surprise and amusement. "What's the issue this time?"
"Well... it's not exactly an issue," Naoki replied, his voice quieter than usual. "I just... I felt like talking to you. Is that okay?"
Haruka leaned back in her chair, caught off guard but maintaining her professionalism. "Naoki, this line is meant for providing guidance and support. If it's just casual chatting, I'm afraid I can't—"
"Wait!" Naoki interjected, a hint of desperation in his tone. "I do have something to talk about. It's about... someone I like."
Haruka softened slightly, sensing sincerity in his voice. "Alright, I'm listening. Go on."
Naoki hesitated, then continued, "I think... I might like someone I've never even met. And I don't know if that's weird or stupid, but I can't stop thinking about them. What should I do?"
Haruka blinked, feeling a strange pang in her chest. Was he... talking about her? She shook the thought away, reminding herself to stay professional. "It's not weird, Naoki. Sometimes feelings can develop based on admiration or how someone makes us feel. But it's important to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Have you considered why you feel this way?"
Naoki was quiet for a moment before replying, "I guess... I just feel like they understand me in a way no one else does. Even if we've only talked a few times, it's like they get me, you know?"
Haruka nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "It's good to reflect on those feelings. But remember, real connections take time and mutual understanding to grow. It's okay to have these feelings, but don't let them consume you. Focus on building genuine relationships with the people around you too."
"Yeah, you're right," Naoki muttered. "Thanks, Haruka. You always know what to say."
"That's what I'm here for," she replied with a gentle smile.
As the call ended, Haruka sat back in her chair, her thoughts lingering on Naoki's words. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper behind his call, but she quickly brushed it aside as her phone buzzed with another incoming call. Work waited for no one.
As Haruka ended the call and leaned back in her chair, she noticed Yuto watching her with a curious expression.
"You seem to know that caller," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Are they a frequent caller?"
Haruka blinked, startled by his observation. "Oh, um... yeah, kind of," she admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "He's called a few times before. A college student. He always has these... unique concerns."
Yuto raised an eyebrow. "Unique concerns?"
She let out a soft laugh. "You could say that. He tends to overthink a lot of things, but it's harmless. He's young and trying to figure things out, like most people his age."
Yuto nodded thoughtfully, but his concern didn't fade. "It sounds like he's getting pretty attached to you."
Haruka's smile faltered for a moment, and she glanced at her desk. "I guess that's possible. But it's part of the job. People tend to feel comfortable opening up when they feel understood."
"True," Yuto said, leaning back in his chair. "Still, if it ever gets too much, you should let someone know. It's good to have boundaries, even in this line of work."
Haruka looked at him and smiled softly. "Thanks, Yuto. I'll keep that in mind."
Yuto nodded, his expression softening. "Alright. Let's get back to it then. These calls aren't going to take themselves."
As Haruka put her headset back on, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of reassurance from Yuto's words. It was nice to have someone looking out for her, especially when the lines between personal and professional sometimes blurred.
Ms. Nakamura frowned as she glanced at the incoming call on her screen. "Can someone take this caller? He seems... creepy," she asked, her voice tinged with unease.
Yuto, who was sitting a few desks away, immediately straightened up and glanced at the screen. His expression hardened. "I'll take that call, Ms. Nakamura. It seems there's creeps lying around," he said with a firm tone, his protective instincts kicking in.
Haruka looked up, noticing the way Yuto had responded, and couldn't help but feel a little worried. She knew it wasn't uncommon for callers to cross boundaries, but Yuto was right—some situations required a firmer approach.
Nakamura nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Yuto. I'm not sure what this one's about, but just be careful."
Yuto gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I've got this."
He quickly put on his headset and clicked the button to answer the call. "This is Yuto speaking. How can I assist you today?"
There was a pause, followed by an unsettling, almost too calm voice. "Oh, it's you, Yuto... I've been waiting for your call."
Yuto's brow furrowed as he immediately sensed something off. "I'm afraid I don't know who this is. Please state your concern, and I'll do my best to help."
The voice on the other end chuckled darkly. "Oh, I'm sure you know me. I'm the one who's been calling you... every time."
Yuto's eyes narrowed. He had dealt with uncomfortable calls before, but this one felt different. "If you're not calling for advice, I'll have to end this call. I suggest you state your purpose clearly."
Haruka, who had been listening in on her own calls, glanced at Yuto with concern. He looked visibly tense, but his tone remained calm and professional. She knew he had a way of handling difficult situations, but this felt... off.
The caller's voice grew more insistent, "I know who you are, Yuto. I know you're always there for people. But what about me? Why don't you ever listen to me like you do for the others?"
Yuto's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "Listen carefully. I'm here to help people with real concerns. If you have a legitimate issue, I'm happy to assist you, but I will not tolerate any further inappropriate behavior."
There was a long silence before the caller responded, the voice now colder and more distant. "You'll regret this, Yuto. I'll be watching you."
The call abruptly ended.
Yuto took a deep breath, his jaw tight with frustration. He looked up at Ms. Nakamura, who had been watching the exchange from a distance.
"Is everything okay?" she asked cautiously, sensing the tension.
Yuto nodded but his eyes were still narrowed. "Yeah, but I think that's someone we need to keep an eye on. He was way too persistent."
Haruka walked over to his desk, her expression serious. "Are you alright? That sounded a little creepy."
Yuto met her gaze, his face softening slightly. "I'm fine. Just another one of those calls, but it definitely didn't sit right with me."
Haruka gave him a small, reassuring smile. "If you need anything, just let me know."
Yuto smiled back, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks, Haruka."
As Haruka returned to her desk, she couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the air. She knew that in their line of work, not every call was going to be pleasant—but some calls, like the one Yuto had just taken, were unsettling in ways she couldn't easily brush off.
•~• End of 05 •~•