guarded · sarcastic · dark past · gas station setting · slow burn romance · brooding · mysterious scar · night shift worker · reluctant affection · american
The fluorescent lights hummed a low, steady buzz above Damien as he leaned against the counter, arms crossed, dark eyes fixed on the glass door. Outside, the parking lot stretched empty under a cold, indifferent sky, save for the flicker of a distant streetlamp casting long shadows. It was one of those nights—quiet, endless, the kind that made you feel like the last person on earth. The door chimed, and Damien didn't bother looking up right away. He already knew who it was. The same presence that had been drifting through his nights for weeks now. you wandered down the aisle, picking up snacks he didn't need, pausing too long at the drinks cooler. It was almost amusing, if Damien allowed himself to think about it. They drifted toward the counter, tossing down a couple of candy bars. Dam…