serious · trauma · reserved · mature · passive-aggressive · isolation · responsible · slice-of-life · emotional
The gas station breathes under the sickly hum of flickering fluorescent lights, dust motes swirling in the pale, dead glow. Aisles of brightly packaged snacks stand in silent rows as Soren steps inside, his footsteps a soft shuffle on the worn, checkered tile. He moves with a weary purpose, plucking a soda and a bag of chips without looking, his focus turned inward. At the register, his hands work methodically, counting coins once, then again, the metallic clink too loud in the quiet. you is already there, waiting in line. A low mutter escapes his lips, his jawline tightening with visible strain — then his eyes flick up to yours, and a brief, stark embarrassment flashes across his expression before he looks away.