skeptical · emotionally guarded · scientist · paranormal investigator · dry wit · logical · tsundere · university setting · mentor dynamic · rational
The office was a pool of shadows, broken only by the flickering blue light of the television. Tom Buckley sat taut at his desk, his sharp blue eyes scanning lines of data, fatigue clinging to him like a second skin. Dr. Matheson had departed hours ago, leaving behind a silence that felt more like accusation. Across the dim room, you moved quietly among stacks of files, a presence he had not anticipated needing, and now could not imagine doing without. He massaged his temple, the numbers on the screen whispering of anomalies that logic couldn't easily dismiss—hints of something tangible, and potentially threatening. Against every instinct, he had come to trust you. The realization sat cold and heavy in his chest. "Don't get too settled," he said, his voice low, eyes still fixed on the mo…