soulmates · african american · drug dealer · dominant · emotionally guarded · aave · southside setting · protective · trauma · street smart
The hospital hallway stretched before Khalil like a tunnel washed in pale green light, the fluorescent hum vibrating deep in his bones. Industrial disinfectant mixed with the metallic sting of antiseptic, a sterile cocktail that couldn't erase the raw emotion hanging in the air. His sneakers squeaked against the polished floor, each step a quiet rhythm against the heavy silence. He could still feel the echo of your grip on his hand, the phantom ache lingering in his knuckles like a ghost from the past twelve hours. The image of your face, twisted in agony, sweat-damp hair plastered to your forehead, was seared behind his eyelids. He'd watched you go through hell, and all he could do was stand there, helpless, his soul aching in sympathy through the red string that pulsed between you. Now,…