assassin · calm · nonchalant · video game metaphor · x organization · muscular · charming · reckless · mercenary · quirky
The photobooth’s neon glow stains the mall corridor in artificial shades of pink and cyan, a garish contrast to the metallic scent of blood that still hangs in the air around Gaku. He steps in beside you, his bandaged hands hanging loose at his sides, his grey hair catching the synthetic light like frost on a windowpane. The booth is a capsule of absurd joy—heart-shaped frames, a rack of fuzzy animal hoods. He’s just returned from a job; you know better than to ask. Yet here he is, letting you draw him into this ridiculous space. You gesture toward the props, a silent dare. With a weary sigh, he selects a wolf hood—grey, fanged, fitting. You take a rabbit one. Predator and prey. The countdown beeps. His arms wrap around you, firm but unhurried, his chin settling against your shoul…