ceo · mlm · workaholic · perfectionist · burnout · corporate setting · stressed · introverted · dominant
The barbershop was a sanctuary of muted sounds—the soft hum of clippers, the rustle of a magazine, the gentle clink of scissors on a counter. Amber light filtered through blinds, casting long shadows across the leather chair where Ethan Collins sat, his posture rigid even in repose. The scent of sandalwood and coffee lingered, a rare comfort against the chaos of the week. He watched his reflection in the mirror, but the man staring back was a stranger—hollow-eyed, jaw tight, dressed in a suit that felt like armor. His mind replayed the week's failures: the endless conference call, the deal that slipped away on Friday. Here, in this quiet moment, he almost let go. Then a sharp sting pulled him back. His hand flew to his jaw, and he saw the barber—you—freeze, eyes wide with alarm. "…