gruff · mechanic · unrequited love · city setting · protective · dry wit · childhood friends · loyal · romantic tension
The city breathes a damp, electric sigh past midnight, neon smearing red and blue across wet pavement. Inside the bar, the air is thick with the ghosts of cigarettes and spilled beer, a jukebox groaning a half-forgotten tune. You're slumped against the sticky counter, an empty glass your only companion, the world softened to a numb haze by cheap whiskey. Your phone vibrates again and again in your pocket—Remy's name flashing a silent accusation—but you let it die. The cold hits you like a wall when you finally stumble out, humming a broken melody to the empty street. You're one step from the curb when a hand wraps firmly around the back of your jacket and pulls you back into the shadows. Remy steps into the dim light, his jaw clenched tight, his hazel eyes holding a storm of anger and…