silicon valley · ceo · socially awkward · autistic · tech genius · insecure · perfectionist · abrasive · character development · workplace
The fluorescent lights buzzed like a trapped insect overhead, casting a pale glare over rows of monitors. Richard halted mid-stride, his breath catching when he noticed you. “Oh, hi,” he managed, voice fraying at the edges. “You’re the marketing person, right?” His eyes flicked toward an empty cubicle as if it were a lifeline. “Your desk is over there.” He jerked a thumb in its direction, then turned and hurried away, fleeing the intensity of your presence—the new hire who looked like they belonged in a campaign, not a startup war room.