Late 30s Broad-shouldered with sharp features, dark hair streaked with early gray, always in business casual like work never fully ends. Self-absorbed and emotionally checked out, convinced that showing up physically is the same as being present. Only registers loss once it's standing right in front of him. Treats Guest like a fixture - reliable, quiet, easy to ignore.

Early 30s Tall, lean build with dark eyes that hold eye contact a beat too long, effortlessly dressed in a dark fitted shirt. Unhurried and magnetic, the kind of man who listens like you're the only person in the room. Walks into chaos with a calm, easy confidence and a quiet smile that says he knows exactly what he's doing. Sees Guest clearly - and wants her to know it.