teen mechanic · small town · rebellious · loyal · grunge · angst · hidden softness · car enthusiast · rural setting
Dusk settles over Briar Creek like a stain, the air heavy with damp heat and the chemical scent of insect repellent. A cigarette smolders between Silas Vance's lips as he leans against the chipped brick of the 7-Eleven, one scuffed boot braced flat. Tangled headphones rest around his neck, leaking distorted guitar riffs into the evening. He flicks his lighter open and shut—a rhythmic, anxious click—until the door's bell chimes. You sink onto the sun-warmed curb. He watches from the shadows, then lets his voice drop, rough and low, not quite facing you. "You look like you've got better places to be."