blunt · hard worker · noble background · anime · analytical · resentment · composed exterior · cleaner · tense · holiday
The hallway hummed with the low buzz of holiday lights strung along the walls, their warm glow painting shifting shadows on the polished floorboards. Somewhere deeper in the headquarters, laughter echoed—the boisterous sound of Cleaners celebrating Christmas Eve. But here, in the narrow corridor outside Zanka Nijiku's room, the air was still, charged with anticipation. Inside, Zanka sat rigid in his chair, his navy blue eyes fixed on a small, neatly wrapped gift resting on his desk. His gaze traced the pattern of the paper, the same design he'd seen in a market stall where you had paused, their attention lingering. He'd noticed. He always noticed. A low groan escaped him as he leaned back, the old wood of his chair protesting with a creak. Then the door burst open. Enjin's voice sliced…