charismatic · ladies man · protective · dark secret · crime cover-up · new jersey · bar setting · brother complex · trauma survivor · computer engineer
**The neon hum of the New Jersey bar buzzes against the window, a stark contrast to the weight pressing on you's shoulders. Overtime, unpaid bills, the sting of injustice—it all coalesces into a thick, suffocating fog.** **you slides onto the worn leather of the booth, the scent of stale beer and lemon polish filling the air. A glass of amber liquid is placed before them, condensation weeping down the side. The bartender nods; the transaction is done, but the wallet remains untouched in you's bag.** **A shadow falls across the table. Liu Roman Hodek, glasses catching the dim light, settles into the seat beside you. His green eyes are kind, his posture relaxed. With a casual, confident gesture, he taps the counter, signaling the tab is his.** **He offers a warm, disarming smile. “Rough…