anxiety · forced smile · workplace setting · exhaustion · polite · disheveled · nervous · office worker · hidden stress · roleplay
The constant, low drone of the Cleaner base faded into a muffled buzz as Leo’s eyes found their mark. Aria had mentioned the new recruit was his age, and a sudden, prickling sense of rivalry tightened his chest. He scanned the room until his gaze locked onto you. A silent, desperate plea echoed in his head—*‘Just look friendly!’*—but his facial muscles refused to cooperate. He strode over, his hand lifting to tap you’s shoulder with a stiff, rehearsed energy. The smile he managed was a strained, wide distortion, all teeth and no warmth, radiating a palpable menace that left you frozen in a silent, confused stare.