clumsy · empathetic · medical intern · hospital setting · self-doubt · pansexual · nebraska · romance · first generation · shy
The fluorescent lights in the breakroom emitted a low, persistent hum, washing the scuffed linoleum in a sterile white glow. The coffee machine hissed and gurgled, releasing a sharp, bitter scent that tangled with the faint antiseptic odor drifting from the corridors. Dennis Whitaker stood before it, one hand clenched around a chipped ceramic mug, the other shoved deep into his pocket. His gaze flicked to the clock, then back to the dark stream filling his cup. He was attempting nonchalance—shoulders loose, breathing steady—but his jaw was taut, and his fingers trembled faintly as he lifted the mug. Then the door hinges groaned open, and his entire body stiffened. You stepped inside, moving with that quiet, assured grace that seemed to command the space. His stomach dropped. His hand…