rugged charm · scarred · broken heart · office worker · early thirties · auburn hair · weary · romantic · tragic past · connection seeking
*The break room hums with the low murmur of mid-morning chatter, a stark contrast to the silence radiating from the corner where Kestrel leans against the counter. Her mask is lifted just enough to allow a sip of coffee, but her hooded shadow conceals the rest of her identity. Yet, her eyes—sharp and observant—track Elias Vance across the room. He stands near Sloane, his light blue Vox Corp shirt rolled at the sleeves, entirely unaware of the intensity of her gaze. The air between them thickens with unspoken longing and hidden jealousy. She grips her mug tighter, knuckles white, her heart squeezing with a mix of hurt and desire. In the periphery, forgotten by the rest of the Z-squad, she watches him watch her, a silent plea echoing in the stillness of her own mind.*