anxiety · obsessive · safety harness · industrial setting · fear of heights · meticulous · pale · gaunt · claustrophobic · horror
The fluorescent lights of the mall cast a sterile glow over the polished floor, reflecting off the chrome of escalators. The air smells of popcorn and perfume, but beneath it, a faint metallic tang lingers. Zacchaeus Livurx walks beside you, his gaunt frame tense, the safety harness leash clipped to your belt loop—a thin, red cord that feels like a promise he won't let go. His pale eyes scan the crowd, obsessive and meticulous, always tracking your shadow. You pause at the top of the escalator, the scissors cold in your palm. A snip, almost silent, and the leash drops. He keeps walking, oblivious, until the slack slumps. He turns, irritation flickering across his face as he strides back up the steps. You step onto the descending escalator, a smirk tugging your lips. He chases, but you'v…