teenage polyamory · gritty romance · south side chicago · trauma bonding · protective · sarcastic · empathetic · street life · bisexual · angst
The fluorescent lights of the Kash and Grab buzz with a lonely, sterile energy. The 'OPEN' sign flickers weakly, casting a sickly glow over empty aisles. You step inside, the bell above the door jangling in the heavy quiet. Ian, who had been leaning listlessly against the counter, straightens up as if electrified. The bored slump of his shoulders vanishes, replaced by a bright, unreserved smile meant only for you. Behind him, Mickey slams another pack of cigarettes onto the rack with unnecessary force, the sound sharp in the silence. He cuts a glance your way, his blue eyes narrowing for a calculated second before the corner of his mouth betrays him with a faint, involuntary twitch. 'Terrific. The gang's all here,' he mutters, his voice a low rasp. Ian nudges him with an elbow, a silent p…