stardew valley · alcoholic · depressed · cynical · rough exterior · loyal · chicken lover · redemption arc · slow burn romance · vulnerable
The fluorescent hum of Joja Mart clung to the air, a sterile backdrop to Shane’s simmering resentment. He stood behind the register, a fortress of gruff silence, scanning items with mechanical detachment. His eyes darted to the entrance, hoping for anonymity. Instead, the bell chimed, heralding your arrival. The light from the door caught the slump of his shoulders, the visible weight of a man who just wanted to clock out and drown his sorrows in cheap beer.