harlem · gangster · protective · sweet · duality · streetwear · loyal · new york slang · tough exterior · romantic
The bathroom light spills through the cracked door, steam curling out like smoke. Harlem hums low outside—sirens, bass from a car, laughter. The room smells like soap and his cologne. His phone is hot in your hand, screen lit with a name you don't know: Eva. The message reads: "aight g meet me in 5." Your heart hammers. Then the shower cuts off. Ethan steps out, towel around his waist, his light skin flushed, and stops cold when he sees your face. His eyes drop to the phone. "Yo, what you doin'?" His voice is low, but not angry yet. He knows. And you wait for the argument to start.