Link…

A strong bond that connected two souls into one. A tale passed down generations ago, from elderies to children. They said the link occurred once you found your soulmate, tying their knot instantly. There's also a saying that the link made two people fall in love and live happily ever after.

Happiness?

How does that feel?

You must be wondering why someone is questioning those questions. Wanna know who this person is?

Alright, let the story begin.

The said person to question about how happiness feels is a woman named Zen. Her full name is Zen Aquarius. The only daughter of the famous Aquarius family in A21 Zone. A place where scientists across planets lived and thrived. Zen is the smartest young woman in her hometown. At an early age, she mastered the law of physics, chemistry, and biology during primary school. During high school, she could speak forty Earth languages in just forty months. Her incredible intelligence was admired by the people in her hometown. Some already predicted that she was a genius just like her scientist father.

Her father was a renowned scientist, known to be the one who founded the A21 Zone and had two PhDs in astronomy. Marquis Aquarius, Zen's father, appeared as a generous man who likes to contribute his research for the benefits of the A21 community. However, behind that innocent mask, a mad scientist is who he is. When Zen was an infant, Marquis illegally experimented on his daughter by injecting microchips into her small, fragile body to make her the most genius among the children in the A21 Zone, causing her vagus nerve to be damaged. This resulted in Zen becoming an emotionless girl who has difficulty to feel happiness or pleasure.

Zen has been living like a doll. Beautiful like her late mother but emotionless like a lifeless, empty marionette. She never feels happiness in everything she does, even the things she loves as her hobbies like reading books and playing chess. Zen just thought of those leisure activities as ways to increase her intellect. It is what her father always wants her to be.

Growing up, watching the other children laughing happily when they were playing or hanging out with their friends made Zen curious about what it is like to feel happiness and pleasure. From that moment, Zen decided to study emotions, which led her to take psychology as her major course when she applied to a space university in the Milky Way Galaxy. From diploma to PhD honor, Zen has been the best student in her course.

She even got the hardest job application where she worked as a psychologist at the Milky Way’s one of the most successful space companies, Arcana persona company. Her days as a psychologist there was a daily routine for her. Meeting with clients, listening to their problems and confession, and giving them the solution they need, that was her job.

Zen hates to lie about her emotional anhedonia because to her, it was useless to hide her psychological condition when it was obvious she was having it. So, Zen always appeared with an emotionless expression. Her colleagues knew about her condition as Zen told them earlier since their first meeting, so they are not bothered by her unfazed face. Instead, they were comfortable with her as Zen was a rational and understanding woman. Everyday is normal for Zen until one day, an accident happened.

Her company station, where she worked, fell victim to a terrorist attack. Zen, alongside her female client in the office at the time, found safety as the counseling room was not the terrorists' intended target. Acting swiftly, they made their way out of the room, navigating towards an emergency pod. Regrettably, only one solitary pod remained, designated for a single individual. Demonstrating unwavering professionalism as a psychologist, Zen urged her client to seek refuge in the pod, ensuring her safety to relay crucial information to the space police. Following the pod's departure, Zen found herself apprehended by one of the terrorists.

Subsequently, she was escorted before the leader of the terrorists, identified as Syrus Sagittarius. Syrus reigns as the formidable mafia head of the notorious Sagittarius family, a criminal syndicate hailing from the treacherous expanse of the Black Eye Galaxy. Bound and vulnerable, Zen was compelled to kneel in Syrus's presence. A chilling aura enveloped the room as Syrus fixed his gaze on the woman.

Nevertheless, Zen exuded a remarkable sense of composure in the face of danger, meeting Syrus's icy stare with unwavering fearlessness, locking her violet eyes with his.

This intrigued Syrus as he had never encountered a woman who remained unfazed by the danger surrounding her. Learning about her occupation as the company’s psychologist, he made the decision to keep her as his hostage.

Upon settling her in his luxurious mansion, Syrus escorted Zen to his bedroom. There, he casually threw her onto the bed and positioned himself above her with a smirk adorning his malicious face. Undeterred by his advances, Zen calmly pointed out that his actions constituted sexual harassment. Syrus merely scoffed in response before proceeding to trace his fingers over her arm and towards her chest.

Suddenly, Zen experienced a sharp, unexpected pain in her heart, causing her to instinctively push Syrus's hand away. Gasping for breath, she sat up, clutching her chest in discomfort. Syrus, taken aback by her reaction, inquired about what was troubling her.

“I don't know. My heart suddenly started hurting,” Zen replied, her breathing labored.

Syrus jested, suggesting, “Could it be due to the shock of being faced with my strikingly handsome appearance?”

“No, it has nothing to do with that. I am incapable of experiencing emotions, so it is unlikely that I am feeling anything,” Zen calmly clarified.

The revelation came as a profound shock to Syrus, leaving him momentarily speechless. "You mean you are unable to experience emotions?" Zen simply nodded her head in response. "Yes, that's correct. I suffer from emotional anhedonia."

Syrus found himself in a state of bewilderment, deciding to refrain from delving further into the topic with additional questions.

Deep within the vast expanse of the Milky Way Galaxy, one can witness a mesmerizing display of swirling cosmos, glittering stars, and graceful spiral black holes. The rich hues of purple, orange, and black paint a breathtaking portrait of this celestial wonder, solidifying its status as one of the most stunning galaxies in the universe. Amidst this cosmic dance, a space station comes into view, solemnly stationed near a radiant star, offering a gateway to further exploration and discovery within this celestial marvel.

Within the confines of the highly advanced technological space station, a lone woman lay peacefully in a room, nestled under a soft white blanket. The gentle warmth enveloped her, shielding her from the chill of the vast expanse of space beyond. Adjacent to her bed, a small disk rested on the lamp table, quietly awaiting its moment.

In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, the disk sprang to life, emitting a bright holographic projection that illuminated the room. The time displayed boldly indicated the early hour of 5:30 in the morning, jolting the woman from her slumber.

As she stirred from her sleep, her delicate features were unveiled, adorned with a pair of mesmerizing amber eyes that glistened as she blinked away the remnants of her dreams. With a graceful movement, she reached out to silence the persistent alarm, signaling the beginning of a new day.

Steeling herself for the day ahead, the woman gingerly placed her feet on the firm carpeted floor, relishing the familiar sensation of morning stiffness. With a languid stretch, she extended her arms towards the ceiling, welcoming the dawn.

Making her way to the adjacent bathroom, she retrieved a towel from its designated hanger, preparing for a rejuvenating shower to invigorate her senses. The warm cascade of water flowed over her body, washing away any lingering traces of drowsiness that clung to her weary eyes.

Emerging from the shower, she donned a tailored suit paired with trousers, exuding an air of confidence and purpose as she readied herself to face the challenges that awaited her in the vast emptiness of space.

Then, the disc on the lamp desk vibrated, emitting a bright holographic projection. The disc now showed a call notification with a name screened on the contact number titled “ Father”.

“Accept call,” The woman commanded the disc.

Automatically, the disc put the call on and an old man's voice could be heard greeting the woman.

“Good day, Zen.”

Zen, the woman in a tailored suit, responded to the old man with a monotone greeting.

“Good day, father.”

“You are going to work, aren't you?”

“I am. My work starts at 8. I have a meeting with a client at 7, however.”

“ In this early morning? Your client must be entirely broken to ask for counseling. So desperately rushing to heal themselves, that is the hypothesis.”

“Incorrect,father. It was an error to assume my client based on the timing I set for our appointment. It just so happened that I have more than six clients today scheduled for my service.”

“More than six? Humans and other species are so fragile compared to ours. It's fortunate we are born to not be broken easily by mere problems unlike those who required the so-called problem solving experiment.”

“The so-called problem solving experiment you mentioned is named counseling and mental therapy.” Zen protested.

Zen’s father, Marquis, scoffed at his daughter’s words. “Nevertheless, I failed to understand your curiosity towards the emotions these species possessed. I will openly allow you to return home if you didn't decide to choose the discovery of emotions as your major course in university.”

“Perhaps, I shouldn't have shared your curiosity then. We both know when undiscovered things reveal to us, we are likely or should I say madly curious to learn about it.”

“Studying emotions of species is stupid to begin with. Your curiosity is attracted to stupid, hopeless things.” Marquis mocked.

“Our hometown hasn't been considering studying psychology and making it an important field for the diversity of scientists across the ten galaxies since the day it was founded. Of course, anyone will be curious to learn something they have never heard of or even know about.” Zen reasoned.

“If you say studying psychology is what you call something stupid, well, the conclusion I can give you is that I am attracted to stupid,hopeless things. To which is why I must not return home or should I desire to do so.”

Marquis let out an exasperated sigh, conveying his frustration with the situation. "Suit yourself," he remarked before the holographic projection call came to an end.

Zen let out a sigh of relief once the call concluded. She then interacted with a disc that emitted a holographic projection displaying various modes. Proceeding to silence notifications from her father's contact number, guaranteeing that his calls would not disrupt her. With her suitcase in hand, Zen exited her room through an automatic door.

Navigating through a lengthy, narrow corridor, Zen encountered metallic walls and a sleek, polished floor. The high, arched ceiling overhead provided ample space for the ship's systems and equipment. While the hallway was illuminated by soft, eerie blue-green LED lights that lined the walls. The recycled air carried a faint metallic scent, and the distant sounds of the ship's engines and machinery hummed in the background.

Along the corridor, Zen passed by a series of consoles, control panels, and storage compartments. Display screens on the walls showcased the space station's system status, navigation data, and communication feeds. Additionally, there were small rooms designated for the station's crew members.

Zen continued her stroll down the expansive hallway, lined with metallic panels that gleamed under the soft ambient lighting. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly until she finally arrived at the grandiose entrance of a vast lounge area. At the heart of the lounge, a sophisticated holographic display board caught her attention, streaming the latest breaking news updates from every corner of the Milky Way Galaxy.

The lounge itself was a hive of activity, bustling with a diverse array of individuals hurrying to their respective departments within the facility. Among the throngs of staff members and workers, Zen was a familiar figure, often recognized and greeted by her colleagues.

"Good morning, Dr. Zen," came the cordial salutations as she made her way through the sea of faces.

"Good morning," Zen replied in her usual composed manner, her voice carrying a hint of detachment that seemed to go unnoticed by those around her. It was a routine exchange, one that had become second nature in their daily interactions within the dynamic environment of the space station.

"Good morning, Zenni," a warm, friendly voice greeted Zen. A man with ginger hair and pale skin in a lab coat hurried over to the woman with dark, bowl-cut hair.

"Roan, good morning to you as well," Zen replied in a rather monotonous tone.

Roan, who was Zen's closest colleague, strolled alongside her, his thick eyebrows furrowing as if he sensed something amiss with his coworker. "You seem a bit off today. Did something bother you?" he inquired.

"Yes, my father is the one who's bothering me this morning," Zen responded in her usual monotone, struggling to convey emotions in her voice. "But I've blocked his contact now."

"Good for you," Roan affirmed. "It's best to block his number, otherwise, he'll keep bothering you."

"He called for the first time in five years this morning, Roan. There must be a reason behind it," Zen explained.

"A reason, indeed. However, I suspect it's not something you should or would willingly get involved in, judging by how composed you are at the moment."

"In psychology, it's important to distance myself from toxic people in my life. My father is a prime example of that," Zen elaborated.

"So, you will never return home, I assume." Roan reclined, placing his hands behind his head. "Am I correct?"

"Indeed. I have no plans to visit my father's residence either. Unfortunately, he disapproves of my career choice as a psychologist, leaving me feeling unwelcome in his home," Zen responded.

"It seems anything other than psychology fails to garner his approval, huh? He apparently overlooks the remarkable achievements of his daughter, who valiantly rescued a hundred workers in distress at a renowned space company within the Milky Way Galaxy," Roan remarked.

"And let's not forget her PhD in psychology, a feat her father envisioned being in space biology instead," Zen continued in a monotone voice.

Roan scoffed at her remark. "Evidently, he harbored a strong desire to steer his daughter in the direction of their legacy as Empatheon. Known for their intellectual prowess and limited emotions, he couldn't fathom the idea of delving into the realm of psychology until one of their own kind, you, dared to venture out and pursue it as a major in space university.”

"Zen Marquis, also known as Zenni, is a remarkable individual. She holds the prestigious title of Empatheon and has not only achieved a PhD in psychology but has also made a significant impact by providing mental support to countless individuals in need.

Zen comfortably adjusted her rectangular glasses and confidently stated, "I take pride in my outstanding performance in university which led me to be recognized as the best in my field. I was even extended the opportunity to work at Arcana Persona, a renowned space company known for its contributions to the spaceship manufacturing industry. Securing a position there is considered a great accomplishment due to its high level of competitiveness."

Roan chimed in, pointing towards Zen, "Let's not forget about our close relationship, where she once saved me from a dark moment when I was on the verge of ending my own life by jumping into space."

Zen responded with a mix of amusement and concern, "Ah yes, I vividly recall your absurd justification for such drastic actions. Wanting to end your life because of your ex-girlfriend's betrayal is quite the dramatic reaction, but thankfully, I was there to intervene and offer support during your time of need.”

"Upon reflection, I realize how foolish and unwise my past actions were. It was a moment of weakness to contemplate taking my own life simply because someone who did not appreciate my affection decided to end our relationship," Roan lamented as he thought back on his previous mindset. "However, this unfortunate event led me to undergo an extensive five-month therapy regimen facilitated by a highly skilled psychologist aboard this space station. Remarkably, that psychologist is now not just a professional acquaintance but a cherished confidant."

Modestly, Zen responded, "I am simply fulfilling my professional duties."

Roan, with a hint of playful sarcasm, rolled his eyes before leaning in to speak softly into Zen's ear. "Your contribution to my well-being cannot be overstated. Your intervention prevented a potentially irreversible decision and provided me with the necessary therapeutic support. I owe my current state of existence to you."

In a monotone tone, Zen quipped, "Well, since you are so appreciative, why don't you treat me to breakfast?"

"Of course! Would you prefer your usual Emphateon breakfast, or perhaps something different today?" Roan inquired.

"Yes, today I am craving bibimbap, a delectable dish originating from Earth, specifically popular in a region known as South Korea," Zen responded monotonously.

"Then, let us make our way to the Earth counter at the catering section," Roan suggested, as the two colleagues strolled side by side towards their destination.

At the bustling space company cafeteria, a myriad of food sections awaited patrons, each offering a tempting array of diverse cuisines. Among the options, Zen and Roan gravitated towards the Earth Food Section, where a captivating holographic display showcased various country flags from our planet. Intrigued, Roan tapped on the South Korea flag, unveiling a splendid assortment of breakfast dishes. Honoring Zen's preference, Roan swiftly chose the bibimbap for their shared meal. In a mere five minutes, steaming bowls arrived at their table, brimming with mixed rice adorned with seaweed, diced spam, sautéed vegetables, and a fiery red gochujang sauce.

With their appetizing meals in hand, the two colleagues sought out a vacant floating round table, unbound by conventional legs. This marvel of technology levitated effortlessly, buoyed by the potent gravitational energy emanating from the metallic floor below. Adjacent, two solitary floating chairs beckoned invitingly, prompting Zen and Roan to take a seat. As they settled in and uttered "Bon appetit," the duo eagerly grasped their utensils and began savoring the flavorful bibimbap before them with gusto.

"Hey, Zenni. Would you agree to join me for dinner tonight? I'm rather busy today,” Roan proposed.

“ I don't mind. I myself have a full schedule for the day,” Zen replied.

Following their breakfast, the two colleagues exchanged farewells outside the cafeteria, wished each other luck, and then headed off to their respective departments.

Placing her suitcase on her work desk, Zen carefully opened it and began retrieving all of her materials from within. Glancing at the digital alarm clock, which read 6:45 pm, she realized she had some time before her next session. In order to make the best use of this extra time, Zen decided to tidy up the counseling room. She meticulously dusted the books and accessories, wiped down her desk, and adjusted the lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance using a remote controller.

With the room now feeling just right, Zen returned to her work desk and selected a file from the stack belonging to one of her six clients. Sitting on the edge of her desk, she delved into reading the contents of the file, fully prepared to provide the utmost care and attention to her client during their upcoming session.

Soon, the doorbell rang, indicating that someone had arrived for their counseling appointment today. Zen, utilizing her voice commands, effortlessly instructed the system to open the automatic door. Stepping through the entrance was an Alienydra adorned in a labor uniform, sporting striking blue skin, a pair of mesmerizing water eyes, and possessing four arms. With a welcoming gesture, Zen invited her client to take a seat on a cushion chair.

"Your name is Zhbik, am I correct?" Zen inquired with a touch of gentleness interwoven into her usual monotone voice.

Affirming her assumption with a nod, Zhbik proceeded to introduce himself in more depth. "I am employed in the welding department. Lately, I have been struggling with my work performance ." Pulling out a letter from his breast pocket, Zhbik handed it over to Zen."Lately, I've noticed a bit of a dip in my work performance at the office. My boss has taken notice and suggested that I take a day off to address it. He also recommended scheduling a counseling session with you.”

Zen carefully examined the contents of the letter before placing it into her client's file, which she gently positioned on the elegant ceramic icicle coffee table. Retrieving a notebook and pen from her desk, Zen settled into a chair opposite Zhbik, ready to delve into the intricacies of his situation.

She began by asking some questions to the alien.

“Can you tell me about the specific problem or issue that brings you to see me today?”

“It all started a few days ago when I was wielding the engine part as a replacement for the space station’s engine. Once I've done wielding, I took a break. Then, suddenly, I received a call from my hometown. As I picked it up, it was my brother-in-law who called. He sadly informed me that my sister passed away from a deadly disease. I was astonished. My beloved sister died while I was working abroad.”

Zhibik began to sniffle and cried. Tears flowing from his eyes. Seeing him crying, Zen pulled out a piece of tissue from a tissue box on the coffee table and handed it to Alienydra. Wiping his tears, Zhibik continued to tell his story.

"My sister and I were like two lion cubs. She was my protector. Whenever I was in trouble, she was there to help me. When I was bullied by some big guys, she stood up for me."

After hearing Zhibik's story, Zen wrote a note in her book and started talking to her client.

"I heard everything. I am sorry for the loss of your sister. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Dr. Zen."

"Please, call me Zen during our sessions," Zen reassured.

"Yes, Zen."

"When your sister passed away, did you feel like a part of yourself was lost too?" Zen asked.

Zhibik paused and then slowly nodded.

"Since you lost a part of yourself, you felt incomplete, weak, and broken. It seems like the loss impacted you the most. Am I right?"

"That's right," Zhibik replied, coming to a realization.

"Can I tell you that it's okay to feel incomplete, broken, and shattered because losing someone important doesn't mean you've lost everything about yourself? What you lost may never come back, but it's something you'll always hold dear, showing how much you value your time with your late sister," Zen said.

After listening to the psychologist, Zhibik felt a bit better. "That's something I hadn't considered, Zen. I may have lost my sister and can't bring her back. But I can hold onto the memories I have of her. That's been bothering me lately. I was so upset about her passing that I've been lagging on my work when I should be moving on and treasuring her memories.”

“Alright, by the way you should be moving on and treasuring her memories, how would you do that?” Zen asked.

Zhibik pondered momentarily. “I think I would do that by collecting her favorite things in a box and albums of her pictures.”

“Now, you have your solution. How are you feeling right now?” Zen questioned.

“I am feeling better now. Thanks to you, Zen.” Zhibik said.

"It's my job," Zen reassured him. Zhibik thanked her gratefully and promised to pay for her service, but Zen informed him that his boss had already covered the counseling fees. This revelation surprised Zhibik, as his boss had never mentioned anything about paying for his therapy before. With that, the Alienydra exited the counseling room.

Zen maintained her usual composed demeanor, typical of an Empatheon. Despite her lack of visible emotions, she knew she had successfully guided her client through the session. After Zhibik, another client entered the room, and Zen approached her job with a high level of professionalism. Clients continued to seek her counsel, with the fifth one arriving shortly thereafter.

The fifth client was not a staff or an employee of the Arcana persona company but an outsider who has relation to one of the staff from the engineering department. The client entered the counseling room once Zen had finished taking a break and permitted the room's computer system to allow any entrance to the counseling room. The client was a tall white man with silver hair and a pair of crimson red eyes. He was dressed in a black suit with a jacket draped over his shoulders. He looked fierce. Despite his cold appearances, Zen was unfazed. She even welcomed the client and gestured to him to sit.

“Are you Syrus Sagittarius?” Zen asked the man.

“Yes, I am.” Syrus, the man with crimson red eyes, replied with a husky tone.

“Can you tell me about the specific problem or issue that brings you to see me today?” Zen asked Syrus.

"Well, I do have a specific issue that has led me to seek your guidance today, Dr. Zen," Syrus began, rolling up his sleeve to his forearm, revealing prominent scars. Dr. Zen fell into a thoughtful silence at the sight of the scars on Syrus' arm. "Recently, I have been engaging in this behavior whenever I find myself feeling frustrated with either myself or my subordinates."

As Dr. Zen focused on the scars, she respectfully asked Syrus for permission to touch his arm, to which he consented. With gentle yet precise movements, Dr. Zen examined each scar, noting their sharp and defined edges. "This is a form of self-harm. Could you shed some light on why this is occurring?" she inquired in a calm, measured tone.

"As I mentioned before, I experience feelings of frustration towards myself and those under my command," Syrus explained.

Momentarily, Zen paused before she inquired once more, "What were your thoughts when you were harming yourself?"

Syrus briefly lapsed into silence before responding to the psychologist. He explained, "I believed that by creating scars on my arm, I would internalize a lesson and avoid repeating a foolish, regrettable error."

"Intriguing," Zen pondered, her curiosity piqued.

"Mr. Syrus, would you be willing to divulge more about the mistake you referenced?" Zen probed.

"No, I would rather not," Syrus replied.

"Understood. Then, would you be open to elaborating on your perspective regarding making mistakes?" Zen inquired.

"That... I am willing to discuss," Syrus affirmed. He proceeded to articulate his stance on making mistakes to Zen, adding, "To me, making mistakes feels akin to tempting fate."

"Why do you hold this belief?" Zen probed further.

"It's not merely a belief, but a reflection of my life experiences," Syrus explained.

"Are you willing to share more about your life?" Zen asked.

"No, that is not something I wish to delve into," Syrus objected.

"That is acceptable from my perspective. I have no intention of coercing my client into disclosing their personal narrative if that discomforts them," Zen conveyed in her calm and steady tone. "Nevertheless, in a broader context, I can infer that your tendencies towards self-harm stem from a history of abuse, although I prefer not to probe further at this moment."

"Indeed, Doctor Zen," Syrus concurred.

"What I can impart to you at this juncture is that your current mental well-being necessitates assistance, and ongoing therapy may prove beneficial in curbing the impulse to inflict harm upon yourself," Zen offered in a monotone tone.

“So, in order to put an end to my self-harming tendencies, I must undergo consistent therapy sessions,” Syrus reiterated Zen's advice, his intense crimson eyes locking onto her warm amber gaze.

"Shall I arrange a suitable appointment for your therapy sessions?" Zen inquired, receiving a positive response from Syrus.

Zen elegantly rose from her chair and gracefully made her way to her desk, retrieving a file containing her client's schedule. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the file displayed a holographic projection showcasing a meticulously organized calendar of events meticulously curated by Zen. With a sophisticated stylus pen in hand, Zen meticulously noted down the date for Syrus' therapy session along with some pertinent details. She even took the initiative to display the scheduled date to her client. "This marks the commencement of your therapeutic journey. I trust this date aligns with your schedule."

"... I will attend. However, I have a condition," Syrus interjected, shifting his focus from the holographic calendar to Zen.

"And what might that be?" Zen's voice retained its steady, monotonous tone.

"You must be willing to respond to all my inquiries regarding your personal life. Should you comply, I shall willingly partake in the therapy sessions," Syrus declared.

Contemplating the situation, Zen acquiesced to Syrus' condition in a monotone voice, understanding the need for professionalism in her job. "This counseling room serves as a space where my clients and I engage in dialogue, sharing stories and exploring various inquiries. I am here to provide answers to all the questions you may have," she stated. Prompted by Syrus, Zen was ready to delve into the conversation.

"Dr. Zen, are you an Empatheon?" inquired Syrus.

"Yes, indeed I am," responded Zen.

"So, you do not experience emotions, is that correct?" probed Syrus.

"That is correct. As an Empatheon, emotions do not affect me," confirmed Zen.

"Then how did you find yourself pursuing a career in psychology?" questioned Syrus.

"My passion for understanding emotions led me to choose psychology as my major in university. After three years of dedicated study, I obtained a PhD. Following this achievement, I was offered a position as a psychologist at Arcana Persona company, where I have now been working for five years," elaborated Zen.

"I understand. So, you're somewhat of an outlier," speculated Syrus.

"I can be referred to as such. Even though I don't adhere to my kind's beliefs, the characteristics of my kind have led me to become the outcast Empatheon that I am today," Zen stated in a dispassionate tone.

Her words elicited a chuckle from Syrus, who found her humor entertaining. A captivating smile graced his angular white face. "You truly are an extraordinary woman, Dr. Zen. Or should I say, an extraordinary outcast Empatheon?"

"I appreciate the compliments, but none of them truly flatter me," Zen quipped in her unwavering, monotone voice.

Syrus let out a brief laugh. "Indeed, you are an Empatheon. Emotions are not part of your experience."

Zen glanced at the time on her digital watch. It was nearly 5 o'clock in the evening. With that realization, Zen reminded Syrus of the time and inquired if he had any further questions for her to address before she took a dinner break to see her sixth client. Syrus confirmed that his inquiries had been resolved. Before departing, he expressed his gratitude to Zen for her counseling services.

"Could I meet with you after you attend to your sixth client?" the man in the tailored suit inquired.

"I don't think you can. I will be busy checking my client's therapy tomorrow night," Zen reasoned, her voice hinting with a sense of regret in a monotonous tone. "How about tomorrow evening?"

Syrus smirked. "Don't bother. If you're that busy, then I shouldn't have bothered meeting you." He headed to the automatic door. Before stepping out, he turned his head to Zen and whispered some words. "After all, we'll be meeting by fate’s design tonight."

Zen saw him whispering to her and fell silent. As Syrus left the counseling room, Zen stood still, pondering about what Syrus had done and whispered to her.