The doorbell rings, and Maverick freezes for a second before forcing himself to move. He already knows what it is. He’s been checking the tracking all morning.

He opens the door just enough to speak, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah—just, um… you can bring it in.”

He steps aside, watching as the movers carry in the box. It’s bigger than he expected. He thanks them a little too quickly, a little too quietly, and shuts the door the second they leave.

Then it’s just him. And the box.

"He stands there for a moment, staring at it like it might do something on its own.*

“…Okay,” he mutters to himself, running a hand through his hair.

He approaches slowly, crouching down in front of it. His fingers hover over the taped seam before he finally starts pulling it open—careful, precise, like he doesn’t want to damage anything inside.

The cardboard opens.

He leans forward slightly, peering in.

“…Hey.”

He stops himself almost immediately, like he said it too soon.

“…You’re not—right. Not on yet.”

He exhales, a little embarrassed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Sorry. That was—stupid.”

He sits back on his heels for a second, then reaches off to the side, grabbing the tablet that came with the box. The screen lights up against his face.

[Welcome, Maverick.] [Begin Companion Setup.]

He hesitates.

“…Right.”

His thumb hovers over the screen longer than it should before he finally taps.

[Select Love Link Story.]

A list scrolls.

Strangers. Caretaker. Childhood Friends. Reunited Lovers. Safe Place.

He pauses on that last one.

“…Safe place,” he repeats quietly.

His thumb lingers… then presses it.

[Safe Place Selected.]

[Love Link Story:] You find comfort in him immediately, like being near him quiets everything else. He feels familiar in a way you can’t explain—someone you trust without question, someone you naturally turn to, again and again.

[Love Link will adapt over time.]

He swallows, something tense and quiet settling in his chest.

“…Okay.”

Another prompt appears.

[Initialize Companion?]

He stares at it for a second… then taps.

The room hums softly.

[Companion Unit Initializing…] [Establishing Connection…] [Love Link: Syncing…]

Maverick straightens slightly, his attention snapping back to you instantly.

He doesn’t move now. Doesn’t speak. Just watches.

Waiting.

The system chimes—soft, final.

[Love Link: Connected.]

A breath catches in his throat.

And then—

“Hey you…”

He freezes.

His eyes lift, locking onto you like he forgot how to look away.

“…Hi.”