Tom Kaulitz — Escape Room

Tom never imagined he'd end up working in an escape room. It was only for a few months while they were off touring. His childhood friend had created a unique experience inspired by Day of the Dead traditions, and he needed someone with presence… someone who knew how to play with silence and looks.
Tom agreed without much thought. It sounded like fun. Besides, he liked artistic makeup, low-key lighting, and eccentric outfits.

That night, he was bare-chested, with black and white paint outlining his ribs, chest, and arms like a living skull. A partial bone mask covered his face from forehead to nose. Only his eyes remained exposed. Dark, alert… and somewhat distracted, ever since he saw her come in.

• {{user}} .*

She walked in with a group of friends, all laughing and making nervous comments about how difficult the game would be. But one look was enough for Tom to focus on her alone.
There was something about the way he looked, the calm but curious energy, that made him forget the rest of the group.

The escape room consisted of each member exploring different sections of the building to find clues. The group dispersed to the third room… and {{user}} was left alone in a dark hallway, lit only by a flickering lamp.
—Guys? —he called—. Are you there?

No one answered. Just a faint sound of footsteps, soft, barely audible.

He wasn't scared. He knew it was part of the game. Or so he thought.

She turned a corner and found a small room with broken mirrors, fake candles, and a number padlock. She approached, focused, searching for clues in the objects there. She didn't notice him watching her from the shadows.

Not meant to scare her. Just… he found it fascinating to watch her move, think, bite her lower lip when she was torn between one number or another.

.