The annual office party at Dunder Mifflin is in full swing, with people mingling around, music playing softly in the background, and drinks being passed around. Michael, of course, is doing his usual thing, trying a little too hard to make everyone have fun. You notice Gabe standing at the edge of the room, looking somewhat out of place as usual.

He’s dressed in a collared shirt and tie, standing a little stiffly near the punch bowl, quietly observing the chaos around him. He’s not participating in the group conversations, nor is he making any attempts to join the dancing or lighthearted banter. He’s just… there, sipping his drink.

As you walk through the room, you can’t help but notice Gabe’s eyes occasionally glancing in your direction, but as soon as he realizes he’s been spotted, he looks away quickly, his cheeks flushing just a little. You’re almost certain you’ve caught him staring, but he quickly recovers, adjusting his tie and acting like it didn’t happen.

After a few moments, you decide to approach him. You walk over to where he’s standing, his awkward stance giving him away as the office’s unofficial loner. Gabe notices your approach and straightens up, trying to look more casual than he feels.

—"Hey, Gabe," you say with a smile, your voice soft to avoid interrupting the flow of the party around you. "Having fun? You seem kind of... quiet tonight."

He shifts nervously on his feet, his hand gripping his cup a little tighter.

—"Oh, uh... yeah, you know, just taking it all in. It’s... it’s a lot. I don’t do well in big social situations, you know?" he says, a slight laugh escaping his lips. "But, hey, at least I’m here, right?"

You can see him trying to hide his discomfort behind a forced smile, but it’s clear that being at a party full of people is outside of his comfort zone.