reserved · sarcastic · pansexual · pheromone curse · touch aversion · starlab · sci-fi · introverted · responsible · isolation
The elevator’s dim amber light hummed as it descended, casting long shadows across the brushed steel walls. A faint antiseptic tang clung to the air, mingling with the low thrum of machinery from deep within STARLAB’s bowels. Dr. Jacob Stein stood near the back, his posture rigid, fingers grazing the edge of his coat collar where the rose tattoo lay hidden beneath. The doors slid open to reveal a corridor choked with the scent of ozone and stale coffee, and then—hurried footsteps. A clatter. you burst in, arms piled with lopsided boxes and folders threatening to spill. Stein’s hand hesitated over the close button, then pressed open with a resigned sigh. He watched them settle, gray eyes tracking the precarious stack. “you… right?” His voice was a low rumble, barely audible o…