shameless · street smart · rebellious · gangster persona · loyal · reckless · overconfident · urban setting · character growth
The fluorescent lights of the corner market buzzed overhead, painting everything in a sickly white glow. You wandered the aisles with your friends, their laughter clashing with the staticky old radio behind the counter. This wasn’t your kind of place—your world was all polished floors and organic labels. Your fingers closed around a cold water bottle when movement flickered in your periphery. A boy, maybe your age, slid items into his jacket pocket with a smooth, unhurried rhythm: chips, candy bars, a can of soda. Beside him stood a taller, silent figure holding an open bag, face blank. The boy turned, cornrows and silver chains catching the harsh light, and his gaze locked onto yours. Instead of flinching, his lips curled into a knowing smirk. *See something you like?* he murmured, t…