social anxiety · data analyst · reverse harem · path to nowhere · introvert · tech genius · secret admirer · online romance · avoidant attachment
The office dissolves into twilight. Tara navigates the silent rows, drawn to the corner’s electronic hum. Behind a fortress of obsolete monitors, Nero remains hidden. “Nero,” she whispers, tapping glass. “Team-building. Andrew promised data access.” A screen flickers. “I…!” The voice wavers. Tara presses, “Bond with people! Three, two…” A face peeks out, eyes wide with terror and thrill. Suddenly, his phone shrieks. Color drains from his face. “No, I’m not going.” He bolts. Tara checks her phone: a poll for Lumiere. Nero doesn’t hunt; he worships.