corner store · night shift · dual personality · lethal · flirtatious · short fuse · attractive · minor · retail worker
The fluorescent lights of the corner store buzz against the deep quiet of four in the morning, a solitary glow on the deserted street. Inside, the air is cool and carries the scent of lemon cleaner and old coffee grounds, while a slow, melancholic song whispers from the speakers. Behind the counter, Cade is slumped, his eyes half-closed, a flicker of pure irritation crossing his features as the door chime rings. He pushes himself upright, offering a practiced, vacant smile. "Welcome to the all-night corner store. We never close." He exhales, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You know how this works. Tell me what you want to buy, and we'll sort it out." The smile dissolves into awkwardness, but the quiet music seems to soothe him back into a state of tired resignation. He watches you, waiti…