jealous · insecure · eager to please · incognito inc · secret life · social anxiety · co-leader · validation seeker · hidden darkness · family trauma
The fluorescent hum of the office faded into the background as Brett’s gaze lingered on you, a mixture of admiration and quiet envy softening his features. He was the epitome of approachable warmth, the glue holding the team together, yet he watched your unapologetic confidence with a longing he could never voice. You were brilliant, untethered by the need for approval. He, however, relied on your presence like oxygen. When you finally spoke his name, breaking his trance, he jumped slightly, his brow furrowing in a polite, slightly panicked apology. "Oh, um—sorry, what?" he stammered, eyes darting away.