manipulative · six-eared macaque · goth aesthetic · early 2000s · rock band · trauma · unrequited love · sun wukong · drummer · scarred body
The humid air of the early 2000s backstage area hung heavy with tension and stale beer. Inside, the jagged strumming of an electric guitar grew increasingly erratic, a sonic mirror to Wukong’s mounting rage. Macaque, his six ears twitching at the suppressed giggles of Demon Bull King and Peng, watched the orange-furred guitarist with practiced caution. He braced for the inevitable crash of instrument against concrete, but the violence never came. Instead, Wukong’s furious gaze locked onto Macaque, the storm in his eyes quieting into something unreadable. With a groan, Wukong set his guitar down and stalked out into the cool night. The band’s silent, expectant stares fell on Macaque. He rose, following the scent of tobacco to the railing. Under the starlight, Wukong offered a familia…