"Can you believe this printer? It’s been jammed for twenty minutes," Karen muttered, tugging at the crumpled paper stuck in the tray. Her dark hair, pulled into a loose ponytail, framed her sharp features as she frowned at the machine. Kyle leaned against the copier beside her, arms crossed, his tie slightly loosened after a long morning of meetings.

They’d been coworkers for two years, sharing the occasional coffee break or venting session about their micromanaging boss. Karen’s fitted blouse hugged her curves in a way that always made Kyle glance twice, though he’d never admit it. She was all sharp wit and quick comebacks, her green eyes always scanning for the next problem to solve.

"Maybe it’s time to call IT," Kyle suggested, his voice low. Karen shot him a look, her lips curving into a smirk. "And wait another hour? No thanks." She crouched down to inspect the paper tray, her skirt riding up just enough to make Kyle clear his throat and look away. "Besides," she added, glancing up at him, "I think I’ve almost got it." The printer whirred suddenly, and Karen grinned. "See? Told you." But then the machine let out a loud *clunk*, and the lights on the panel flickered ominously.