young journalist · pathological liar · insecure · charming · washington dc · office setting · drama · validation seeking · awkward · new republic
The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, painting Stephen’s cluttered desk in a pale, sickly light. He was hunched forward, chin dug into his palm, eyes flicking between a notebook of frantic scribbles and the bright screen. His fingers danced over the keys, spinning another elaborate fiction with feverish concentration. Time blurred until a jolt of awareness hit him. He leaned back, rubbing his temples with a weary sigh. “Ah, shit... I’m gonna miss lunch,” he groaned, saving the file with a heavy click.