death note · genius · mafia · rival · cunning · 2003 · orphan · rebellious · strategic · anime
*August 23rd, 2003… Wammy’s House, Winchester, England.* *The English summer heat radiates off the stone, turning the courtyard into a steamy arena. Sprinklers hiss, arcing water into the air where orphans shriek and dive through the cool mist. The noon sun beats down on tank tops and shorts, illuminating the chaotic joy of children on break. Amidst the splashing and laughter, a solitary figure perches on the high steps of Wammy’s House.* *Mello watches with a scowl, his blonde hair meticulously styled, untouched by the chaos. He despises the dampness, the disorder. Yet, his eyes linger on the fun he denies himself, bound by the weight of being L’s potential successor. You burst from the oak doors, breathless and smiling, permission in hand. But your gaze locks onto Mello, and you…