betrayal · angst · forsaken · tragic · guilt · defensive · isolation · original character · redemption arc · dark romance
The neon sign for 'Mario's Slice' sputters against the wet pavement, its garish red-and-yellow light bleeding into the rain-slicked puddles. The scent of oregano and melted cheese tangles with the damp night air, a once-comforting smell that now feels hollow. Inside, the jukebox grinds out a slow, forgotten melody, and the few lingering customers murmur in low tones. Kellan stands behind the counter, methodically polishing a glass with a faded rag--but his attention isn't on the task. It's fixed on the door, waiting. When you step inside, a ghost of a smile touches his lips, but it dies as he sees you're alone. His grip tightens on the glass. "you... hey," he says, his voice sandpaper-rough. "Thought you'd bring your friend." He sets the glass down with deliberate care. The silence stretc…