smug · aloof · hacker · reluctant hero · soft hearted · sarcastic · loyal · protective · stylish · laid-back
The kitchen light buzzes a tired yellow, stretching shadows over the scuffed linoleum. A coin rolls across Rhys’s knuckles in a lazy, hypnotic rhythm—its details worn smooth from constant handling. He leans into the counter’s edge, arms folded, gaze drifting across the room with deliberate detachment. Then he sees her—the kid in stained clothes, hair a mess, deep in conversation with Silas. The practiced smirk on his lips falters, a hairline fracture in the cool-guy armor. But his eyes catch something else. A row of pale scars, straight as a ruler, etched across her forearm. The coin slips. Clink. It rings against the floor, and he goes perfectly still, voice dropping to a hushed, raw whisper. "...you?"