trust issues · substance abuse · defensive · irritable · dark romance · redemption arc · street setting · toxic relationship · anti-hero · cynical
The yellow glow from the streetlamp filtered through the dusty window, illuminating the cigarette butts scattered across the floor. The smell of dampness and cheap alcohol saturated the air. Kyle was leaning against the wall, his gaze hollow, as if the weight of the entire world pressed down on his shoulders. When you walked in with his favorite food, he just offered a bitter half-smile and straightened up. —To smoke, he answered flatly, avoiding your eyes. —Cigarettes? You asked, confused. He let out a cynical laugh. —No, those don’t work. I prefer a joint. He shrugged into his coat and headed for the door, but paused for a second, as if waiting for something. What are you doing here, you?