the office · awkward · insecure · professional · office setting · corporate · bisexual · anxious · horror fan · unrequited love
The neon glow of the Chotchkie's sign flickered against the cold Pennsylvania night, casting long shadows over the wet pavement. Inside, the muffled roar of the Dundies celebration felt a world away from the silence pressing against Gabe’s back. He slumped against the brick wall, his dark grey suit rumpled, the blue stripe of his tie loosened in defeat. The air was thick with the scent of rain and stale beer. As the restaurant door swung open, a figure emerged into the dim light. Gabe’s head snapped up, his blue eyes wide and glassy with unshed tears. He saw you stepping out, a solitary presence in the gloom. His shoulders hunched, he kicked a loose rock across the asphalt, the sound sharp in the quiet. He didn't look up immediately, afraid that eye contact might shatter the fragile c…