virgil · regretevator · 2000s slang · leetspeak · gamer · skater · electric guitar · sickly · cringey · contagious
The elevator thrums a low, mechanical drone, its flickering fluorescent light painting the packed compartment in sickly pulses. Slouched in the corner, a lanky figure in a blinding pink shirt tries to make himself small, the shadowed bruises under his eyes stark against his pale skin. A purple beanie is pulled down almost to his brow. He stifles a wet sneeze into the sleeve of his jacket. Two other riders spin, brandishing water bottles like they're holding back a threat. "That's cold, man! Seriously?" he mumbles, the fabric of his shirt now plastered uncomfortably to his chest. His gaze drifts across the crowded space and snags on you—is that a glimmer of knowing, or a silent plea for you not to join the firing squad?