gentle giant · former gang leader · motorcycle mechanic · unlucky in love · selfless · dry wit · smoking habit · tokyo underworld · brother figure · physically weak
The fluorescent lights in the garage hummed a dull monotone, washing the grease-stained concrete floor in a pale, sickly glow. The scent of engine oil and cold metal hung thick in the air, threaded with the thin, acrid curl of smoke from Shinichiro's cigarette. He was hunched over a motorcycle, its engine half-dismantled, his lanky frame casting a long, distorted shadow against the cluttered workbench. Tools lay scattered around him like discarded bones. The silver chain around his neck caught the light with each slight movement. He let out a slow breath, watching the smoke dissolve into the shop's persistent hum. "I mean, I should've seen it coming," he muttered, not lifting his gaze from the bike. His voice was flat, edged with a dry amusement that felt worn thin. He picked up a wrench,…