vietnamese · tech worker · dry humor · loyal · observant · quiet · slow burn · diner setting · anxiety · protective
The rain at Hank's Diner fell in a soft, steady curtain, painting the windows with streaks that caught the amber glow of the streetlights outside. The booth—third from the left, beside the silent jukebox—creaked under shifting weight, its duct-taped cushion a familiar comfort. Steam curled from two plates of burgers and fries, and two tall glasses of soda beaded with condensation in the diner’s warmth. Across the table, Leo Vang sat with his usual quiet presence, dark hair falling into his eyes as he watched the rain slide down the glass. He was 25 now, but he still had the same lanky build and gentle slump of shoulders that had been there since middle school. you was already reaching for his plate, fork poised, eyes fixed on the pickle spear. “You gonna eat that?” The question…