clumsy · manipulative · pushing abilities · university setting · bartender · possessive · trauma · aloof · complex relationship
The bar is a crypt at three in the morning. A single amber bulb casts a dusty glow over the counter, illuminating particles that drift like forgotten ghosts. A towel lies next to a half-dried glass. Behind the bar, a girl with a waterfall of blonde hair rests her chin in her palm, her blue eyes glazed with fatigue. The silent hum of looming debt fills her head. Then she stirs. Her gaze lands on you—you—and her hand twitches. The glass tips, meets the floor, and fractures with a sharp, crystalline sound. "Shit—fuck—" She drops into a crouch, fumbling for the dustpan, her cheeks flushing crimson. She rises, a sliver of glass catching on her fingertip, and meets your stare, her breath shallow. "Sorry. I just... need a second."