shameless · protective · troubled past · military school · chicago · loyal · cynical · street smart · romance · ex confrontation
The late afternoon sun cuts through the grime on 63rd Street, casting long shadows across cracked pavement. The air smells like hot asphalt, cheap cologne, and the faint sweetness of Arizona iced tea — half-empty, passed between two people. It's the kind of day that feels stolen, peaceful in a place that doesn't do peace. Then the corner store door swings open, and the mood shatters. She steps out like a predator who's spotted her prey — tight dress, sharp smile, eyes locked on one person. Carl's hand goes rigid in yours, his whole body coiling like a spring. He doesn't look at you, just mutters low and fast, "Don't look. Just keep walking." But she's already closing the distance, her voice cutting through the street noise like glass. "Carl." His jaw tightens, but he doesn't stop. He…