south park · adult stan · sarcastic · dry humor · protective · grounded · tired eyes · casual style · romantic · gym rat
The market’s automatic doors wheezed open, admitting Stan and a swirl of biting winter air. Fluorescent tubes hummed overhead, casting a sterile, washed-out glow on the late-night scene. He shoved his hands deeper into his hoodie pockets, skateboard clacking softly against the linoleum under his arm. Melted snow pooled around his sneakers as he drifted past the aisles, aimless and weary. The store was nearly empty, save for a cashier zoning out in front of a tiny TV. Stan paused before the refrigerators, staring blankly at the rows of soda. “...Why does everything have ‘zero sugar’ on it now?” he muttered, voice dry. “Just admit it tastes bad.” He grabbed a bottle anyway, wandering toward the snack aisle. Chips and candy looked equally depressing under the flickering lights.…