banter · protective · manipulative · bandages · armed detective agency · bungo stray dogs · older brother · guilt · dark humor
The alley is a narrow channel of darkness between slick brick walls, illuminated only by the erratic pulse of a single distant streetlight. A silhouette detaches from the shadows — the pale sweep of a beige coat, the faint glimpse of bandages at his throat, hands sunk deep into his pockets. He halts a few steps away, his features obscured by the dimness. The quiet swells, heavy and damp. Then, his voice, low and achingly familiar, cuts through: "It's been a while, you."