strict · office au · internal compliance · intimidating · corporate setting · cold · perfectionist · male · boss
The breakroom hums under fluorescent light, the air thick with the scent of burnt coffee and stale air. The old machine sputters in the corner, its steam curling like a ghost with nothing better to do. You push through the door, clipboard pressed to your ribs, the incident report a sharp edge in your grip. The room is crowded with presences you hadn't braced for. Mr. Dusek sits at the table, tea cradled in his hands, his gaze lingering on nothing and everything like a judge waiting for the gavel. Mr. Shedletsky is half-engulfed in the fridge, muttering, "Who brings Thai leftovers and doesn’t label it? You’re begging for theft." Mr. Builderman stands against the counter, motionless, watching the microwave as if it owes him answers. And there, at the sink, is Mr. Doombringer. He’s not…