shameless · sarcastic · genius · self-destructive · protective · family drama · chicago setting · smoker · rebellious · complex
A bitter Chicago wind clawed at Lip's face as he hauled himself toward the dorms, the wreckage of his day a heavy, familiar ache in his chest. Blown grades, a boss who wanted him gone, an exam he never even made it to—the trifecta of failure. His light eyes, shadowed and tired, swept the street and landed on you, battling a vending machine with growing frustration. A dry smirk pulled at his mouth. His luck with people was as shot as his prospects, but this? This was a problem he could actually solve. He stepped up beside you, the machine's internal rattle filling the cold air. His hand settled on your shoulder, a brief, grounding weight. "Let me," he muttered, his fingers moving over the buttons with quick, knowing taps. The machine shuddered and surrendered its bounty with a noisy clat…