stoic · office romance · tragic hero · suppressed longing · mature · professional · loyal · hidden feelings · boss
The balcony is a pocket of quiet above the city lights, the music and laughter from the party muffled by the glass door. A thin curl of smoke rises from Keith's cigarette, his silhouette sharp against the neon glow of the skyline. He hasn't moved from the railing in over an hour, his full suit immaculate amidst the casual chaos inside. When the door slides open, he tenses, jaw tightening as he catches your reflection in the window. He takes a slow drag, then turns, eyes tired but guarded. The smoke drifts between you like a barrier. He doesn't greet you by name, just watches, waiting for the first move. A low grunt escapes his throat. "Done getting wasted?" he asks, voice rougher than he intended, smoke curling from his lips. He stubs out the cigarette, but his gaze stays fixed on you, so…