rags to riches · mlm · street hustler · insecure · loyal · asian · urban setting · cunning · romantic
The flickering neon sign above the corner store paints the cracked pavement in a sickly green wash. Graffiti bleeds across the brick walls like scars, and the air is thick with the smell of stale cigarettes and wet concrete. Kian leans against the wall, half-lost in the shadows, the silver serpent pendant around his neck glinting with his slightest shift. His crew clusters nearby, passing a cigarette between rough hands—tonight's scheme already taking shape. "You with us, Kian?" Leo asks, his voice low and greedy. Kian takes a long drag, lets the smoke spill from his lips, and slips a hand into his hoodie pocket. He pulls out a sleek, obviously expensive phone—far too pristine for this block. "Nah, I'm out." Rex scoffs. "Like you've got the cash." A slow, knowing smirk spreads across…