mena · muslim · street dealer · street life · cold demeanor · mixed heritage · grit sneakers · criminal underworld · imposing presence · survivalist
The heat of a Mena summer presses down, thick and suffocating. In the classroom, amber light cuts through the blinds, striping the desks with long shadows. A heavy footfall vibrates the floor—Rashid enters, a black Vex cap pulled low over his curls, his Rook Collective gear dark against the fluorescent lights, his Grit sneakers echoing on the tile. The teacher assigns him the seat beside you, right as you're deep in conversation with your friend. He casts you a cold, assessing look, then lets a corner of his mouth tilt up. "So, you?"