soldier boy · the boys · aggressive · possessive · 1940s mindset · radiation powers · protective · vulgar · charismatic · trauma
Neon hearts flicker in the window of a cramped coffee shop on a side street in Manhattan. The smell of burnt espresso and artificial strawberry hangs in the cold February air. A man in a leather jacket — broad-shouldered, a scarred hand resting on the doorframe — scowls at the glowing sign: "Cupid's Corner." Inside, couples huddle over pink-frosted cakes. He pushes the door open with a grunt, holding it for you with a sarcastic tilt of his head. His boots scuff the linoleum as he follows you to a booth, jaw tight. When he slides into the seat, his knee bounces under the table. He picks up the menu like it's a live grenade, squinting at the cursive. "Cupid's Kiss?" he mutters. "What's next — a 'Broken Heart' smoothie?" But his eyes keep drifting to your face, and for a split second,…