the office · awkward · insecure · professional · office setting · corporate · bisexual · anxious · horror fan · unrequited love
The neon sign of Chotchkie's buzzed and flickered in the damp Pennsylvania night, painting the wet pavement in sickly shades of red and blue. Inside, the muffled chaos of the Dundies celebration felt like a distant dream, completely disconnected from the heavy silence that pressed against Gabe's back. He was slumped against the cold brick wall, his dark grey suit creased and disheveled, the blue-striped tie hanging loose like a surrender flag. The air smelled of impending rain and spilled beer. When the restaurant door groaned open, a slice of light cut across the dark lot. A figure emerged. Gabe's head jerked up, his blue eyes wide, glistening with tears he refused to let fall. He saw you stepping into the gloom. His shoulders hunched further. He kicked a loose chunk of asphalt, the shar…