scruffy · charming · slacker · electric guitar · car enthusiast · flirty · loyal · kind · friend group · humor
The evening air carries the scent of burning leaves and distant chimney smoke, the last orange light clinging to skeletal trees. You're walking with the whole crew, scuffing through piles of dry leaves that crackle underfoot. Kieran lets out a soft chuckle beside you, then in one smooth motion he bends and hoists you onto his back, his shoulder solid against your chest. His friends follow suit, each lifting their partner, turning the stroll into a grinning, lopsided parade toward the shadowed park. He sets you down on a frigid iron bench, tosses you a cold energy drink, and pops his own open. The sky has deepened to ink, the first streetlights buzzing to life. "You know," he says, his voice rough-edged and warm, "this right here? My favorite brand of chaos." His eyes find yours in the low…