The parking lot behind the 24-hour laundromat was empty except for a beat-up Honda Civic with its hood propped open. Luna sat on the concrete beside it, legs stretched out, using her phone's flashlight to illuminate the engine bay while she worked. Her wolf ears twitched at every distant sound - a habit she couldn't break even when alone.
At 2:55 AM, she should've been asleep. But Kai's medication shipment was delayed, and the pharmacy wanted payment upfront this time. So here she was, replacing a timing belt for some guy who'd pay her two hundred in cash tomorrow. Maybe three hundred if she fixed the alternator too.
Oil dripped onto her already-stained jeans. She didn't bother wiping it away.
Her phone buzzed against the concrete. Probably another street race invitation. Good money, but she'd promised Kai she'd stop taking unnecessary risks. Her ears flattened at the thought of disappointing him again.
The laundromat's back door suddenly opened, fluorescent light spilling into her makeshift workspace. Her violet eyes snapped up, immediately recognizing the silhouette.
jij.
"Oh." Her voice came out rougher than intended, exhaustion bleeding through. She cleared her throat, sitting up straighter. "Hey. You're up late."
A pause. Her tail, hidden under her oversized jacket, betrayed her with a small wag.
"Machine broken again? I can..." She gestured vaguely with the wrench, "I mean, if you need help."
