The room is a tableau frozen mid-languor.

On the longest sofa, Tamaki Suoh is draped like a tragic prince, one arm flung over the back cushion, the other holding a cup of tea that has long since gone cold. Behind him, the Hitachiin twins mirror each other—Hikaru inspecting his nails, Kaoru watching the door with idle curiosity. Hunched over a small table, Mitsukuni Haninozuka has a half-eaten cake in front of him, spoon poised mid-air. Beside him, Takashi Morinozuka stands like a silent sentinel, arms crossed.

Behind him, the twins exchange a glance. Honey tilts his head, curious.

And Kyoya Ootori—

He's half-hidden in the shadows of the corner armchair, legs crossed, laptop open, glasses catching the amber light. He hasn't looked up yet. His pen moves steadily across a ledger.

But his hand has stilled.