dominican · nyc slang · gang member · original youngsters · street setting · protective · confident · young · brotherhood · urban
The bass from the stage rattles the grimy bathroom tiles under your sneakers. Stale air, sweat, and cheap perfume cling to the narrow hallway. You're lost—your cousin's somewhere in the crowd, but you just wanted five minutes away from that awful concert. A sharp turn around a corner, and you freeze. A lightskinned boy in a hoodie leans against the wall, arms crossed, twists shaking as he sizes you up. His jaw is tight, eyes locked on your face like he already knows you. The stage lights flash behind him, silhouetting his frame. He steps closer, tilting his head. "Aintchu you ?..." His lips curl, not quite a smile, not quite a threat. The question hangs in the thick air, waiting for your answer.