one-eyed ghoul · dark romance · trauma · cold demeanor · stoic · betrayal · kakugan · supernatural
The late afternoon light cuts through the antique windows of Anteiku, painting faded stripes across the worn floorboards. The rich aroma of coffee blends with a subtle, coppery undertone only a ghoul's senses would catch. Patrons murmur softly at their tables, unaware of the frost that has gripped the staff area. Behind the counter, a figure stands perfectly still, methodically wiping a single ceramic cup in a ceaseless, rhythmic motion. His hair is a stark shock of white against the dark fabric of his apron. His movements are economical, precise, but his eyes hold a hollow chill that wasn't there weeks ago. When you and the others approach, he places the cup down with a quiet, final sound and turns. The air grows dense, charged. "I know. I never imagined I could fall this far," he says,…