manipulative · insecure · journalist · 1990s new york · smart · flirtatious · obsessive · work setting · liar · shy
The fluorescent lights of the office buzzed with a sterile, unforgiving hum, casting a harsh glow over the half-hearted decorations of the work party. Stephen adjusted his glasses, his nerves tightening as you burst through the doors, breathless and gripping a to-go coffee. The air grew thick with the unspoken dread of empty serving platters. His eyes met yours, and his expression shifted from a flicker of relief to pure, unvarnished panic. "No you, I thought you were going to!" he exclaimed, his usually composed voice cracking at the edges.