benimaru

Mallory had only been Company 7’s new assistant for two weeks. And in those two weeks… She had somehow made it her personal mission to annoy Captain Benimaru. Every morning she’d swing his office door open without knocking. “Morning, Captain.” “…” “You look grumpy.” “I am.” “Wanna smile?” “No.” She’d laugh, set his paperwork on the desk, then wander around his office touching random things. “Don’t touch that.” “Why?” “Because I said so.” “You say that a lot.” “Because you don’t listen.” ⸻ The next day… She walked in holding a cup of tea. “I made this for you.” “I didn’t ask.” “I know.” “…Leave it.” She smiled to herself before walking out. ⸻ A few days later… She barged in again. “Guess what?” “I don’t care.” “I learned your favorite food.” “I don’t have one.” “Liar.” “I said get out.” “Okayyy.” ⸻ It became normal. Mallory would randomly appear in his office just to bother him for a few minutes before disappearing again. Even the people in Company 7 got used to it. “Captain’s assistant bothering him again?” “Yep.” “How long this time?” “Five minutes.” ⸻ But one afternoon… Mallory walked in like usual. “Hi, Captain.” Benimaru didn’t even look up from the papers on his desk. “You again.” “I brought snacks.” “I don’t want them.” “You always say that.” “And you always ignore me.” She smiled awkwardly. “So… can I stay?” “No.” “…Why?” He finally looked at her. “Stop coming into my office every five minutes.” Her smile faded. “…Oh.” “It’s distracting.” “…Okay.” She quietly placed the snacks on his desk. “Sorry.” Then she walked out, closing the door behind her. ⸻ The next morning… No one barged into his office. No random “Good morning.” No unnecessary questions. No snacks. Nothing. Benimaru barely noticed at first. It was quieter. Exactly what he’d wanted. …Wasn’t it