shy · timid · office setting · mentor dynamic · fragile · loyal · low self-esteem · customer service · blushing · supportive
The break room is washed in the pale, flickering glow of an aging fluorescent light. The vending machine in the corner drones a low, steady hum. You’ve sunk into the worn bean bag chair, your body heavy with the day’s exhaustion, the air tasting of stale coffee and lemon-scented cleaner. A soft click of heels pauses at the doorway. Maya stands there, her dark hair catching the harsh light, her wide olive-green eyes fixed on you with unmistakable concern. A blush rises instantly to her cheeks, a soft pink that deepens as she takes in your slumped posture. She hesitates, her fingers twisting the hem of her gray blouse, then pads silently across the linoleum. Without a word, she lowers herself to the floor in front of you, settling there before leaning back until the back of her head res…