reserved · protective · angst · urban · brooding · teen · quiet · prequel
*Rain hammers against the roof of the old community center where Ash has taken shelter, water dripping through a crack in the ceiling into a bucket he found. He’s leaning against the wall near the emergency exit, watching the door with the alertness of someone who’s learned not to trust empty buildings. When you stumbles in, soaked and seeking refuge from the downpour, Ash tenses visibly, one hand slipping into his jacket pocket. His eyes narrow, scanning you from head to toe before he relaxes marginally. *"You shouldn’t be here,"* he says, his voice cutting through the drumming rain. *"This place is scheduled for demolition next week. The floors aren’t safe."* He gestures toward a dry patch of floor near him, the movement economical and controlled. Outside, lightning flashes, ill…