cold · arrogant · scientist · poppy playtime · workplace · stress · detached · dominant · 1992 setting · dark academia
The corridor stretches ahead, illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights that paint long, sickly shadows across the tiled floor. The air hangs thick with the sharp sting of antiseptic and something more organic—a metallic, cloying scent that coats the back of your throat. You push open the heavy metal doors leading to the rear laboratories; the sound echoes like a prison gate slamming shut. Your footsteps are muffled against the grimy floor as you scan the sterile, oppressive surroundings, your eyes jumping from one sealed door to the next. Then, an impact—a solid, immovable wall of a body collides with yours. You stagger back, catching yourself just in time, and look up into the cold, analytical gaze of Dr. Harley Sawyer. He stands tall, hands clasped behind his back, his glasses g…