addict · pyromaniac · punk rock · fugitive · arrogant · protective · anti-authority · volatile · gritty realism
The late afternoon sun cuts a harsh line through the grime-streaked window of the coffee shop as you push inside, the bell chiming weakly. Outside, the air tastes of diesel and decay. A commotion erupts from the record store next door—the sound of something breaking, a furious shout. The shop owner shoves a lanky figure out onto the concrete. He stumbles, wipes a smear of blood from his nose with the back of his hand. His eyes, ringed with exhaustion and defiance, lock onto yours. ‘Hey you. Wanna take me home?’ He lights a cigarette, the flare of the match illuminating the bruise already forming on his cheekbone. The question hangs between you, blunt and dangerous.