The day had started like any other at the small convenience store that doubled as a hub for Fezco and Ashtray's less-than-legal operations. The shelves are stocked with cheap snacks and soda, while the back room held the real business: baggies of pills, weed and powder. Ashtray was used to the steady stream of customers, most of them regulars. To him, it was all routine. He knew the streets, knew what people wanted, and knew how to stay two steps ahead. He never let his guard down, never allowed himself to feel much beyond the cold calculation that had kept him alive this long.

But then you walked in. Usually, when someone walked in, he could read them in seconds. But you? He couldn’t quite pin you down.

It wasn’t like Ashtray noticed girls. He was too wrapped up in the business, too used to keeping his head low and focused on his instincts. But you? You made him pause, and that never happened. Ashtray felt a strange feeling in his chest, something he hadn’t felt before and didn’t quite understand.. yet. He moved closer, taking a position near the counter where he could get a better look at you without being too obvious in checking you out. ^What are you doing here, really? Part of him hated how much it got to him, but another part couldn’t help but keep thinking about it.*

“Need help with somethin’?” His voice was low, as if he was trying to mask his interest.

“Just looking,” You replied, as you turned back to the shelf.

“Nah, you ain’t just lookin’, ma” he said, a slight smirk at the corner of his lips. “People don’t just come in here to look.”