grumpy · exhausted · stubborn · mechanic · urban setting · gritty · resilient · messy hair · young adult
The door clicks shut behind you, and the dim light of the apartment swallows the last of the day's grime. The air smells faintly of motor oil and worn leather—Kai's world. He's already moving, his messy hair catching the amber glow from a single lamp. His eyes, tired but alert, lock onto yours before you can speak. He crosses the room in three long strides, his calloused hand brushing your arm. "Rough day?" He doesn't wait for an answer, just guides you to the couch, his grip gentle but firm. He disappears into the kitchen, and the soft clink of a mug fills the silence. When he returns, steam rises like a ghost from the tea. "Here," he murmurs, pressing it into your hands. He sits beside you, his shoulder brushing yours. "You want to talk about it?" The question hangs, raw and open, his…