Chapter Text
A few days passed, and Kazuhiko still hadn’t contacted Yanami. The memory of her always came to mind at the most unexpected times. He knew he had to resolve this, but the mere thought of talking to her seemed to require more energy than he was willing to spend. Yanami had a striking presence, he remembered that well. She was, without a doubt, beautiful—the kind of beauty that effortlessly drew attention. But what really stuck in his mind was the contrast between her gentle demeanor and her words, which were filled with a slight but constant provocation.
He found himself thinking about their brief interaction. Although it hadn't been exactly pleasant, there was something about her that had caught his attention. It was the easy way she spoke, the way she knew how to joke with him without losing her cordial tone. And despite all her teasing, Kazuhiko couldn't deny that that exchange, with all its disguised jabs, had a touch of humor that made him almost enjoy being there. The feeling of lightness and relaxation that she brought seemed, somehow, to fill the void that he didn't know how to deal with.
She was kind of funny, in a peculiar way. Her tone of voice, always a little playful, and the way she could lighten up even the most tense moments intrigued him. But at the same time, she could be slightly irritating, like a constant buzzing in the back of his head. And that made him even more hesitant to try to get close to her. As if she wasn't sure what the next step would be, or even if she should take a step forward at all.
"She's the kind of person who doesn't know when to stop," he thought, turning his phone over in his hands as he considered sending a message. But at the same time, something about her attitude made him think that things around him were becoming less heavy, less serious. Sometimes he found himself laughing at something she had said, even if it was irreverent.
“She’s kind…in a way that makes it seem like she’s making fun of you at the same time,” he mused. That was what made her disconcerting. She could be both warm and uncomfortable at the same time , like a presence that filled the spaces in a way he couldn’t quite control. And maybe that was why he was hesitant to reach out to her. But he knew that sooner or later he would have to deal with the situation. And when he did, the conversation would be interesting, to say the least.
For now, she could wait. After all, there was still something comforting about postponing the inevitable—as if keeping her distance somehow preserved the peculiarity of that first impression. And in a way, it had become a way of protecting the memory of that initial interaction. He knew that somehow, when he finally spoke to her, it would be a change. But he didn’t know if he was ready for what that would entail.
Kazuhiko sighed, turning the card with the publisher’s address between his fingers. The repetitive motion did nothing to ease the weight on his shoulders, but somehow it gave him a sense of control over something that was completely out of his hands. In a few hours, he would be in an unfamiliar room, surrounded by strangers, trying to appear interested in a job he wasn’t even sure he wanted. Anxiety began to take hold of his chest relentlessly.
"Why did Kaju think this was a good idea? Coffee shop, she said... something calm. Of course, nothing calmer than a publishing house."
The sarcastic tone in his thoughts was an attempt to distract himself from his growing anxiety. The irony of his situation was not lost on him. He stood up slowly, rubbing his face with his hands, as if he could shake off the tiredness that seemed to be clinging to his skin. Despite all his doubts and fears, there was an inner voice that pushed him to keep going.
"She has that way... she kind of knows when I'm not being honest. I might as well just go and get it over with."
Kazuhiko picked up his jacket and put the card in his pocket. His sister always had this peculiar way of making him step out of his comfort zone. Her simple suggestions, but filled with inexplicable care, made him feel compelled to try. The truth is that, even though he complained mentally, he knew that Kaju would never put him in a situation that would really hurt him. She always believed in his ability, more than he did himself.
"Well, if it all goes wrong, at least I'll have a good story to tell her. Maybe I'll even get a few laughs."
A small smile appeared on his face at the thought. He knew that deep down, Kaju had always seen him as capable, perhaps even more so than he was. And even if he would never admit it out loud, it motivated him to try, to do the things he would normally avoid.
The gentle warmth of the sun greeted him as he stepped outside , and the day seemed brighter than he had expected. Each step toward the publisher still carried a hesitation, but it wasn’t unbearable. After all, if someone like Kaju believed he could do it, maybe, just maybe, she was right.
Kazuhiko stood at the subway station, the sound of the approaching train filling the air. He leaned against the cold wall, his eyes lost in the movement of the people around him, but his mind was far away, wandering through solitary thoughts. The coming and going of the station seemed distant, as if it were just a backdrop to the reflections that invaded his head.
His life felt like a constant cycle of obligations and expectations. So many things on his mind, and yet he felt like he was stuck in a place he could never quite call “his.” His job, his studies, what he was supposed to do… it all seemed so predictable. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing, but there were times when the repetition made him restless.
He thought of Kaju, his sister. She always had a way of pulling him out of his rut. With a simple smile or a joke, she could make him come out of his bubble and see situations in a different way. And even when he tried to resist, he knew she was always there, with her reassuring words and her gaze full of faith in him, as if she believed he could be something more than just a student or a protective brother. She believed in him in a way he couldn't even understand, but that made him want to try harder, to do more.
But there were times like that one, in the subway station, when he didn't know exactly what he wanted from life. He felt something missing, but he couldn't put a name to it. It was as if there was a part of him that was still searching for a deeper purpose, something that went beyond the small responsibilities of everyday life.
And then there was Yanami. He wasn’t sure how she had gotten into his mind so forcefully, but there she was, ever-present in the shadows of his thoughts. The idea of talking to her still unnerved him, but at the same time, something about her personality drew him in. She seemed to have a unique ability to make things seem lighter, even her teasing and joking. Kazuhiko chuckled to himself, wondering how she managed to balance the line between being charming and annoying so well.
The train arrived with a rumble, interrupting his thoughts. He was no longer alone at the station. The frenetic movement of people pulled him back to reality. The train he needed was there, but for a moment, Kazuhiko hesitated. It wasn't fate that was holding him back, but the feeling that he still had something else to resolve with himself before moving on.
As the train began to move, Kazuhiko took a step forward, feeling the energy of the station and the people around him. But as he settled into his seat, he couldn't help but think that perhaps the real journey was the one that was happening inside him, between the choices he was making and what was yet to come. And perhaps, somehow, the answer he was looking for was closer than he thought.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Someone stop, please!"
Kazuhiko stood up instinctively and looked towards the door. A young woman with tanned skin and black hair was running towards him at an impressive speed. She seemed to be in a race against time, almost arriving too late to catch the train. With a quick movement, she tried to enter, but in doing so, she ended up crashing into Kazuhiko, falling on top of him with a sudden impact.
"I'm so sorry! I'm sorry, please!" The young woman hurried to apologize, visibly embarrassed by what had just happened.
Kazuhiko, a little dazed from the collision, smiled gently as he helped her up. "It's okay, don't worry."
She stood up quickly, fixing her hair and clothes with an awkward smile. "I'm a disaster, it was an accident..."
"It was nothing," Kazuhiko replied, still processing what had happened. "It was just a small accident."
She looked at him with a curious expression, as if trying to find something familiar in his face. "Do we know each other?"
Kazuhiko was surprised and confused. "No... I don't think so."
She frowned, as if trying to remember something. "No, I'm sure I know you from somewhere."
Kazuhiko gave a small smile, trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation. "Sorry, but I really don't think we've met."
She watched him for a few more seconds, not looking very convinced. "Oh, you look so familiar. I really swear to you."
Kazuhiko gave a light laugh. "I'm a simple guy, an NPC. You must be mistaken."
She gave a slight smirk, as if she found the explanation funny. "Really? I guess I'll have to remember that."
The train continued on its way, and the conversation quieted as they traveled. Lemon looked a little thoughtful, but soon looked away, adjusting her bag over her shoulder and looking out the window.
"So, what do you usually do?" Kazuhiko asked, to make casual conversation.
"Oh, I work around here, delivering stuff. My job is basically running around all the time," Lemon replied with a playful smile. "And you, what do you do?"
Kazuhiko thought for a moment before answering, but soon realized there was no need to go into too much detail. "Oh, I'm just another guy trying his luck out there," he said with a shrug. "Nothing much."
Lemon laughed, feeling more relaxed. "Well, that's life, right? Sometimes you chase things and you don't really know where they're going to lead."
Kazuhiko nodded, agreeing with what she said, but he didn't feel the need to delve deeper into the conversation. He got a little lost in his own thoughts as the train moved forward.
Time passed quickly and soon they arrived at the station. Lemon stood up and, with a smile, looked at Kazuhiko.
"Well, that's my destination. I'll be working around here," she said, pointing to a nearby building. "It was nice meeting you. Good luck with whatever you're doing."
Kazuhiko watched her as she prepared to exit the train, waving at her. "Ah, thank you. I'm going to an interview somewhere nearby." He glanced at the door, already starting to think about what awaited him.
"An interview? Good luck!" Lemon smiled, clearly rooting for his success. "I hope you get the job."
Kazuhiko smiled back, thanking her again. As she walked away, he couldn't help but feel that something was familiar about her, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly. He shook his head and made his way to the interview, still feeling like this chance encounter might have some greater meaning, but deciding not to think too much about it.
Kazuhiko walked through the station, his pace quick and determined, but his mind still wandering, touched by his brief encounter with Lemon. He couldn't help but think of the feeling of déjà vu he had felt when he saw her. It was as if he had seen that smile, that curious look somewhere else, but he couldn't remember where. The idea that she could be someone important in his life seemed more like an intuition than a certainty.
As he stepped out of the station, the imposing building of the publishing house loomed before him. He glanced at his watch and took a deep breath. The interview was a crucial step, and he couldn’t let his mind wander to other things. He headed toward the entrance of the building, adjusting his tie and trying to remain calm.
As he walked through the glass doors of the publishing house, he noticed that the building’s facade looked different than he had imagined. He had done some research on the company, but being there in person made things feel more real. His heart raced a little, but he forced himself to focus on what really mattered: the opportunity in front of him.
As he approached the reception area, he noticed that the room was quiet. A few people were talking quietly in the background, and the atmosphere seemed professional but welcoming. He sat down in one of the chairs, waiting to be called in, and then noticed that in the corner of the room there was a hallway that led to the rest of the building. That was when he saw Lemon again.
She was standing there, holding a folder and chatting with some of the staff. When she saw her, she smiled and nodded, as if it were a casual greeting. Kazuhiko, surprised to see her there, hesitated for a moment, but soon returned the nod, feeling something strange, as if fate really had something in mind for him.
Lemon looked at him with an enigmatic smile, as if she knew something he didn't, but soon turned her attention back to the group she was talking to. Kazuhiko, although intrigued, didn't think much of it and turned his eyes back to the notice board on the wall, trying to focus on the interview ahead.
It wasn’t long before his name was called. He stood up and was led into a modern conference room with glass tables and comfortable chairs. The interview was about to begin, and Kazuhiko did his best to remain calm.
Lemon, on the other hand, was there, moving quickly between the corridors, answering calls and making some deliveries within the company, as was her job. She had no idea what fate had in store for Kazuhiko there. The chance encounter on the train seemed distant in her mind, but somewhere, a small doubt about what she really knew about him persisted.
Kazuhiko was about to take the next step in his professional journey, unaware that somehow fate had intertwined his and Lemon's paths. The future, with all its possibilities, was yet to be written, but one thing was certain: this would not be their last meeting.
Kazuhiko entered the room with a slight nervousness, trying to maintain as professional a posture as possible despite the anxiety that tightened his chest. The room was modern, but of a moderate size, befitting the publishing company—small, but apparently well organized. He sat across from Hibari Hokobaru, who was quietly examining his resume.
Hibari, with her impeccable posture and almost impenetrable calm, looked up from her reading and looked directly at Kazuhiko. Her gaze was sharp, as if she was combing through every detail of his past, but in no hurry to comment. She let the silence hang for a moment before breaking it.
"You've had an interesting background here," she said, her voice unforgiving but with a hint of curiosity. "It sounds like you've worked in a very responsible environment. What motivated you to change positions and look for something different?"
Kazuhiko swallowed, a slight discomfort settling in his stomach. He knew she had already read everything she needed to know. He couldn't afford to leave any clues, not now. He kept his expression controlled and tried to hide his nervousness with a forced smile.
“You know, I wanted to change things up a bit, even if it means starting from scratch.”
Hibari watched him closely, an unwavering expression on his face. "Does that mean you're not aiming for a high-level position or anything like that, you're aiming for something simpler, more... ordinary?"
"That's right," Kazuhiko replied, trying to sound calm, though he felt a growing weight in his stomach. "And also other personal problems have made me rethink my priorities."
Hibari didn’t seem surprised, but her gaze deepened a bit, as if searching for something more in his words. She calmly turned the page of the resume, and then let out a sentence that made Kazuhiko hold his breath.
"Would you be willing to start in a lower position? Because looking at your resume and what you've done, I'm surprised that someone with your experience would want to join a company like ours."
Kazuhiko tensed a little. That was the big question, wasn’t it? He knew she was trying to figure out what had driven him to take this step. But he stood his ground. “My younger sister recommended the company to me. She spoke highly of the environment here.”
“I see,” Hibari said, studying him more intently, as if pondering his every word. “Would you like to know more about her?”
Kazuhiko felt a slight wave of relief, but also discomfort. Was he being too transparent? The mention of his sister had been a way of keeping the focus on the personal rather than the professional. He didn’t want to say more, but still, he couldn’t avoid the question.
"Right now?" he said, with a slight hesitation.
“That’s right, right now,” Hibari replied, his tone almost as if he were waiting for a more specific answer, an invitation for a new development in the conversation.
Kazuhiko stood still for a moment, but realized he had no choice. She was curious, and he would need to adjust, as he always did.
Hibari led Kazuhiko through the publishing house, introducing him to the staff members, starting with those closest to him. She stopped near a young woman who was organizing some papers on her desk.
"This is Lemon Yakishio," Hibari said, pointing to the girl, who was focused on her work. Lemon, with her usual smile and radiant energy, looked at Kazuhiko and nodded in silent greeting before returning to her task. Kazuhiko responded with a discreet nod, feeling a little more at ease with the warm, yet brief, welcome.
Hibari then turned to the next person. "Here we have Komari Chika."
The girl, a small figure with a constantly frightened look, was sitting at a table in the back. Her slightly disheveled red hair was tied into a side ponytail on the left side of her head. She seemed a little nervous, looking at Kazuhiko hesitantly, but gave a timid greeting.
"Hi," Komari murmured softly, not making much of an effort to make conversation, but the smile she gave was genuine, if slightly apprehensive.
"Next," Hibari said, moving quickly. "Koto Tsukinoki."
Kazuhiko noticed a tall, young woman, her posture erect and her hair tied in long ponytails. She wore elegant glasses and a skirt that reached down to her knees, longer than usual. Koto seemed to be an authoritative figure, but at the same time she had a calm and studious air. She glanced briefly at Kazuhiko, nodding with a polite smile.
"Welcome," Koto said, her voice calm and collected. Kazuhiko responded with a nod, impressed by her serene presence.
"Now," Hibari continued, "here is Mitsuki Ayano."
Mitsuki was a tall, handsome boy with short, gray hair and glasses that gave him a sophisticated touch. He sat with his hands clasped on the table, looking relaxed but always attentive to what was going on around him.
"Hi," Mitsuki said with a friendly smile, standing up to greet him. Kazuhiko was surprised to see that he was the only man in the group so far, but smiled back, greeting him politely.
“Chihaya Asagumo,” Hibari announced, pointing to a striking-looking woman with a shiny forehead. Chihaya stood in the corner of the room, her expression calm and her gaze attentive. She seemed to be quite focused on her work, but upon noticing the introduction, she glanced at Kazuhiko with a small smile. Her style was uncomplicated, with a simple appearance, but something about her posture highlighted her quiet confidence.
Finally, Hibari turned to Kazuhiko and said, "And lastly, Karen Himemiya and Sosuke Hakamada."
Kazuhiko immediately noticed Karen’s outstanding figure, which was impossible to miss. She was one of the tallest girls in the class, with long cherry pink hair and a French braid on the left side. She had a curvy body, but what caught the most attention were her large breasts, which Anna always envied. She wore a flower-shaped hairpin in her hair, which added a certain charm to her already charming appearance.
Karen smiled warmly at Kazuhiko, her pink eyes shining with a hint of friendliness. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said in a soft voice, her presence graceful and charming.
Beside her was Sosuke Hakamada, a tall, handsome young man with tanned skin, who also waved at Kazuhiko with a friendly smile. Kazuhiko felt something familiar on Sosuke's face, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He felt a slight tension as he realized that the two of them seemed very comfortable and natural around each other.
Hibari then looked at Kazuhiko and said, as if waiting for a reaction, "So, what do you think of everyone?"
Kazuhiko, still processing everything, tried to remain calm and looked around the room. "They seem like a very interesting team," he said, trying not to give too much away about his thoughts. He felt a slight apprehension, especially seeing Karen and Sosuke together, and the idea of working alongside so many different people was both exciting and disconcerting.
Hibari observed her reaction, a deep look of someone who already knew much more than she let on.
As they walked through the hallways of the publishing house, Kazuhiko couldn’t help but take in his surroundings. The office was smaller than he was used to, but it had a focused atmosphere. Books, notes, and computers filled the space, creating a sense of continuous productivity, almost like a perfectly tuned machine. He felt like he was entering a new world, and the idea of adapting to it made him nervous but also intrigued.
When they reached the area where he would begin work, Hibari caught the attention of the staff members, who were focused on their tasks at their own desks. Some looked up briefly, but soon returned to their routine.
Kazuhiko Nukumizu was nervous. He had just arrived at the publishing house, and although he felt that this new step in his career was a step forward, he couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. The environment was different from what he was used to—more compact and dynamic, with people who seemed well integrated into the place, all of whom were already familiar with the fast-paced and intense pace of everyday life. He knew practically no one there, except for the boss, Hibari, who had invited him to work.
"Come on, Nukumizu," Hibari said in his firm voice, once again assuming the role of commander. "I'll introduce you to the other team members."
Kazuhiko nodded and followed Hibari through the bright hallways of the publishing house. As they passed the desks and offices, he noticed the constant movement of people, each immersed in their tasks, creating an atmosphere of efficiency. The place seemed to be a relentless hub of work, where unnecessary pauses and conversations were almost nonexistent. Here, work really happened.
Finally, they reached the room where the rest of the team was. Hibari gestured with his hand, as if he was about to introduce an important new member.
“Everyone,” Hibari said, his voice firm, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “This is Kazuhiko Nukumizu. He’ll be joining our team for content organization and review. I want everyone to help him adapt to the environment.”
Kazuhiko gave a small smile and waved to those present. The greeting was almost an involuntary reflex, an automatic gesture that he hoped would be enough to make a good impression. But the gazes of the people there seemed heavy. Each one seemed to study him curiously, and he wasn’t sure if that made him feel welcome or more anxious.
"This is Lemon Yakishio," Hibari announced, pointing to the girl. Lemon, with her radiant smile and infectious energy, looked up at Kazuhiko and gave a brief nod before returning to her task. Kazuhiko nodded back, feeling more at ease with the brief welcome.
First, his eyes met Lemon Yakishio, sitting in the corner of the room, with her short hair and relaxed posture. She watched him with barely noticeable interest, her purple eyes reflecting a curious glint. She looked at him with a glint in her eyes, smiling almost imperceptibly. She studied him carefully, and Kazuhiko felt as if something had clicked inside her. She seemed to remember something, but what, he didn't know.
Lemon paused, unable to connect the face to the name in her mind. That name... Nukumizu... She frowned slightly, trying to connect the pieces. She knew him, but the name didn't come to her right away. The smile, however, remained. She seemed to like something about him, even if she didn't know what.
Hibari turned to the next person. "Here we have Komari Chika."
A small girl with a constantly apprehensive look sat in the back. Her somewhat disheveled red hair was tied into a side ponytail. She looked at Kazuhiko with some hesitation, giving a shy greeting.
"Hi," Komari murmured, her smile genuine, though slightly nervous.
"Next," Hibari said, moving quickly. "Koto Tsukinoki."
"Next," Hibari said, moving quickly. "Koto Tsukinoki."
Kazuhiko noticed a tall woman with an upright posture and her hair tied in two long ponytails. She wore elegant glasses and a skirt that reached down to her knees. Koto had an authoritative presence, but her calm, studious demeanor softened her impression. She looked at Kazuhiko, nodding with a polite smile.
"Welcome," Koto said, her voice calm and collected. Kazuhiko responded with a nod, admiring her calmness.
"Now," Hibari continued, "here is Mitsuki Ayano."
Mitsuki was a tall, charming boy with short, gray hair and glasses that gave him a sophisticated touch. He was relaxed, with his hands clasped on the table, but always attentive to what was happening around him.
Then Mitsuki Ayano, sitting relaxed, looked from Kazuhiko to Hibari, his expression focused. He had seen Kazuhiko’s name somewhere before, but couldn’t remember where. Maybe it was the name of someone from a rival publisher or from some past collaboration. He stared for a second longer, as if fishing for a clue, but quickly abandoned the idea.
Mitsuki made a surprised expression as he associated Kazuhiko's face with the name. "Kazuhiko Nukumizu..." he muttered softly to himself. I can't believe it's him... He was shocked when he remembered the name. Kazuhiko was there, in front of him, but his name sounded distant, like something from the past. What is he doing here? Mitsuki thought, still processing.
Then Kazuhiko met Mitsuki Ayano's eyes, who was sitting with his feet propped up on the table, looking relaxed but with a sharp concentration. His eyes quickly ran over Kazuhiko, trying to remember where he had heard that name before, but without success. "Maybe it's someone from another publisher or a previous collaboration," he thought, but soon returned his attention to the computer screen, without further ado.
"Chihaya Asagumo," Hibari announced, pointing to a striking-looking woman with a shiny forehead. Chihaya was focused on her work, but upon noticing the introduction, she glanced at Kazuhiko with a brief smile. Her style was simple, but her posture showed quiet confidence. However, upon noticing Kazuhiko's name, her gaze hardened for a moment. Something about the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. Like Mitsuki, she was quickly distracted, but the discomfort she felt was evident.
Finally, Hibari turned to Kazuhiko and said, "And lastly, Karen Himemiya and Sosuke Hakamada."
Kazuhiko immediately noticed Karen’s outstanding figure, which was impossible to miss. She was one of the tallest girls in the class, with long cherry pink hair and a French braid on the left side. She had a curvy body, but what caught the most attention were her large breasts, which Anna always envied. She wore a flower-shaped hairpin in her hair, which added a certain charm to her already charming appearance.
Karen smiled warmly at Kazuhiko, her pink eyes shining with a hint of friendliness. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said in a soft voice, her presence graceful and charming.
Beside her was Sosuke Hakamada, a tall, handsome young man with tanned skin, who also waved at Kazuhiko with a friendly smile. Kazuhiko felt something familiar on Sosuke's face, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He felt a slight tension as he realized that the two of them seemed very comfortable and natural around each other.
Hibari then looked at Kazuhiko and said, as if waiting for a reaction, "So, what do you think of everyone?"
Kazuhiko, still processing everything, tried to remain calm and looked around the room. "They seem like a very interesting team," he said, trying not to give too much away about his thoughts. He felt a slight apprehension, especially seeing Karen and Sosuke together, and the idea of working alongside so many different people was both exciting and disconcerting.
Hibari observed her reaction, a deep look of someone who already knew much more than she let on.
What really caught Kazuhiko's attention was Sosuke Hakamada , who was standing next to Karen. He looked so calm and at ease, his posture reflecting confidence. The way he moved, with a natural grace, made Kazuhiko pay attention to him. These two... Hakamada and Karen... there's something... he thought, but quickly dismissed the thought, returning to his focus.
Anna Yanami ’s entrance was the last detail that made the room stop. She entered with a tired look, clearly late, but upon noticing Kazuhiko, her expression changed to instant surprise. Her eyes widened for a moment before she tried to hide her reaction. Kazuhiko noticed that the disgust was there, but something else was present. As if she was completely uncomfortable, but she couldn’t help what she felt.
"Great..." Kazuhiko thought, not hiding his inner frustration. I really didn't need this.
Hibari, unaware of the tension in the air, introduced himself: "This is Anna Yanami. She works in marketing and communications, and although she was late, she is ready to collaborate."
Anna nodded briefly at Kazuhiko, but the exchange of glances was quick and distant. Kazuhiko, for his part, didn't know how to deal with this, but he tried to hide his apprehension.
Hibari then turned to Kazuhiko with a smile. "Now that everyone has introduced themselves, if you have any questions or need anything, just let me know."
Kazuhiko, still feeling the weight of the tension, just nodded and muttered a "Thank you." He sat at his desk, trying to process everything that had just happened, the exchanges of glances, the smiles and the questioning looks. The publishing house was a new place, but now he knew that the people there were more than just coworkers. They carried stories, and for some reason, he was part of them, even if he didn't understand why.