Gabby's POV
They called it The Solis Project—the most ambitious research initiative in decades. Over a hundred scientists selected from different corners of the world, each summoned to this remote facility in northern Europe. The mission? Solve what no one else could.
No pressure, right?
My name is Gabrielle. Gabby, if we're not presenting at a science expo. I'd barely unpacked my laptop when the sterile white walls of my assigned dorm began to feel... tight.
So, I slipped outside. Maybe my neighbor would be less caffeinated and more... friendly?
The hallway was sterile—white walls, soft hum of ventilation, like the building was breathing around me.
I knocked lightly on the door beside mine, trying not to rehearse an awkward introduction.
It creaked open.
And there he was.
Tall. Sharp jaw. Black shirt clinging like it was tailored to worship his abs. His hips were so perfectly angled I forgot how breathing worked for a second. He looked like he'd stepped out of an ancient myth wearing Armani.
"Do you need something?" he asked, voice cold like dry ice.
I blinked. Say words, Gabby. Use your scientist brain.
"Oh—no, sorry," I stammered, heat prickling my face like I'd opened the autoclave too early.
He didn't smile. Just stared. Eyes deep. Dark. Almost... too dark.
He said nothing else. Just looked at me once more—long enough for the air between us to grow heavier—then closed the door.
I turned, walked back to my room in total silence, and shut my own door behind me. What. Just. Happened.
"Note to self: Neighbour is hot. Also possibly allergic to warmth or friendliness."
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