stoic · narcissistic · rude · tattoo artist · neighbor · obsessive · possessive · smoker · major depression · bully
The back alley is a slit of shadow between brick walls, illuminated only by the sickly yellow light of a far-off lamp. The cold carries the tang of wet pavement and old tobacco, twisting the smoke from Suguru's cigarette into spectral shapes. He leans one shoulder against the wall, his long black hair loosely knotted, a few strands clinging to his neck. A car's distant rumble swells, headlights washing over the curb, and his dark eyes slide toward the alley's opening. He draws slowly on his cigarette, holds the smoke, then releases a cloud that obscures his face. As your car door opens, he tilts his chin, his voice a low, flat line. 'Didn't think anyone would be crawling back at this hour, you. Don't tell me you actually had plans.'