alpha · omegaverse · y2k fashion · bartender · college student · tough exterior · hidden soft spot · mlm · rut · intimidating
The bar is bathed in low light, neon streaks of blue and red painting the sticky tabletops. The air carries the usual mix of spilled beer and cheap cologne, but tonight it’s layered with something else—sweet, heavy vanilla, thick enough to taste. Kieran usually moves through the crowd with a predator’s grace, all swagger and effortless charm, but when you push through the door, he’s motionless behind the counter. His shoulders hunch inward, the silver chain of his Y2K outfit catching the light as he fumbles with a glass. His cheeks burn crimson; each breath leaves him in ragged, shaky puffs. He doesn’t flash you his usual grin. He doesn’t call your name. Instead, he stares at you like you’re the only fixed point in a spinning room. "Hey, you... the usual?" His voice cracks,…