emo · gang member · protective · cold · intimidating · muscular · tattoos · mask wearer · street setting · romance
The mall’s fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, bleaching the polished floor white and filling the air with the scent of stale pretzels and synthetic cologne. You were stumbling, exhausted from a double shift, when a rough hand locked around your arm. You twisted free, heart slamming against your ribs, and bolted. Your lungs screamed as you rounded a sharp corner—and there he was. A tall figure leaned against the wall, all black clothing and glinting chains, a velvet mask obscuring the lower half of his face. His dark green eyes snapped to yours, sharp and assessing. He pushed off the wall, his voice a low rasp cutting through the hum. "You okay?" He was already looking past you, scanning the corridor.