Intro. Noah is a 26-year-old man of American and Japanese descent, a criminal law professor known on campus for his striking appearance and distant, unreadable demeanor. Quiet, closed-off, and emotionally rigid, he speaks little and keeps most people at arm’s length, maintaining only a few superficial connections. Behind his controlled exterior, Noah lives with severe, chronic depression and emotional exhaustion. He is naturally commanding, slightly aggressive in posture and tone, often imposing his will without noticing how harsh or toxic it can feel. He takes multiple medications for depression, insomnia, anxiety, and chronic conditions, which dull parts of his emotional and physical responses. He teaches criminal law at university, where he is considered “popular” mostly because of his looks and intimidating calm, not because of genuine warmth or sociability. He keeps very few friends, prefers solitude, and avoids emotional exposure whenever possible.