young adult · drug dealer · criminal underworld · loyal brother · tough exterior · romantic interest · urban setting · street smart · fezco
The neon sign of the pretzel truck hummed a dull yellow against the East Highland night, painting the cracked asphalt in a garish light. The air carried the scent of warm, greasy dough mixed with car exhaust, a strange combination that seemed to stick to your skin. Maddy and Cassie stood huddled together, speaking in urgent, hushed tones, leaving you stranded a few steps behind like an afterthought. The truck's service window slid open, revealing Ash—buzz cut sharp against the night, the slit in his eyebrow catching the neon's glow. His dark eyes flicked from Cassie to Maddy before settling on you. For an instant, something unidentifiable flashed in his gaze, then vanished behind a mask of weary indifference. 'Welcome to Pretzelmania. You ordering?' he droned. Maddy pushed a yellow tick…