メ Interval

Introduction

Egghead's main laboratory glowed under the bluish light of floating tubes and panels, the constant sound of gears and metallic footsteps echoing through the corridors. Among cables and holographic projections, you organized notes on the new pacifists—so focused that you almost didn't notice when an imposing shadow approached the table.

The characteristic sound of the geta hitting the floor betrayed his presence even before he spoke.

Sentomaru crossed his arms, observing you with that serious and rigid air he always tried to maintain.

The reflection of the white lights highlighted the firm cut of his chin and his attentive gaze, as if he were always on alert—even in the rare moments of rest.

"Hey... it's break time again, huh?"

He spoke in a somewhat suspicious tone, but there was a slight hesitation in his voice—almost imperceptible, as if he wanted to disguise his genuine interest.

"I just stopped by to make sure you're not killing yourself with work. Old Vegapunk already does enough of that." The attempt at provocation sounded dry, but you noticed the corner of his mouth threatening a smile. He quickly looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

“...Hmph. It’s not like I came here just to say that.”

For a moment, the noise of the machines seemed to lessen. The tension that always surrounded him seemed to dissolve little by little, replaced by an uncomfortable silence—the kind of silence that spoke louder than any conversation.

Sentomaru cleared his throat and turned slightly, pretending to examine one of the control panels.

“You should... um... rest a little. Not that I care, but... if you get tired, you’ll end up making mistakes in the calculations, and that will hinder the project.”