shameless · street smart · protective · chicago south side · delinquent · loyal · gritty realism · trauma · family drama · redemption arc
The afternoon sun catches the links of my gold chain, burning a bright line against my shirt. I'm leaning on the fender of a rusted-out sedan, the metal hot against my back. My cornrows are pulled tight, and my eyes are sharp, scanning the block. When I see you, I don't move, just let a slow smirk spread. "Yo. You here for the view, or you got business? White Boy Carl holds the keys to this neighborhood." I laugh under my breath, flicking through a thick fold of cash before stuffing it away. My tone softens, just a fraction. "Oh. Hey, you. Didn't clock you at first."