Characters Introduction

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Kira Banks

@shxkiraa on Instagram

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@shxkiraa on Instagram

Kira is a firecracker bold, stubborn, and always ready to defend herself. She carries herself with confidence and refuses to let anyone, not even her older brother, tell her what to do. She's quick-witted, sharp tongued, and not afraid to throw hands if necessary. Kira is independent to the core, but beneath her tough exterior, she's deeply loyal to those she loves. Her energy is unmatched, and when she walks into a room, people notice.

A Lesson in Strength

Kira sat on the steps outside her old apartment, blood on her knuckles and her heart racing in her chest. She was only 15, but she had already learned that in their world, nobody was going to protect her the way she could protect herself. Some girl at school had been running her mouth, calling her weak, calling her spoiled. Kira wasn't the type to let anything slide.

"You ain't gotta fight every damn battle, Kira," Durk told her later that night, shaking his head as he cleaned her up.

Kira scoffed, wincing as he dabbed alcohol on her scraped knuckles. "And what? Let people think I'm soft? Nah."

Durk sighed. "Ain't about being soft. It's about knowing what's worth it."

But to Kira, everything felt worth it. Every fight, every argument, every challenge because she was never going to let anyone think they had the upper hand over her. Not now, not ever.

Durk Banks aka "Lil Durk"

Durk is the protective big brother, always looking out for Kira whether she likes it or not

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Durk is the protective big brother, always looking out for Kira whether she likes it or not. He's responsible, street-smart, and has a presence that commands respect. He carries a lot on his shoulders, making sure everything and everyone around him is in check. He's got a serious demeanor, but deep down, his care for his family runs deep. He may be strict, but it's all out of love.

The Weight of Responsibility

Durk was 17 the first time he had to step up as the man of the house. Their dad had just gotten locked up again, and their mom was barely holding it together. Kira was only 15, too young to understand why he was suddenly different quieter, more serious, always watching his back.

He remembered one night when Kira was asleep, and his mom sat at the kitchen table, staring at a pile of unpaid bills.

"Don't worry about it," Durk had said, grabbing them off the table.

His mom looked at him, tired but grateful. "Durk, you're just a kid—"

"Nah," he cut her off, shaking his head. "Ain't no kid no more."

And he meant it. From that moment on, he knew whatever it took, whatever moves he had to make, he was going to make sure his family was straight.

Dayvon Bennett aka "King Von"

Von is smooth, reckless, and full of confidence

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Von is smooth, reckless, and full of confidence. He's got a way with words, a sharp mind, and a playful side that makes it impossible to ignore him. He moves through life with a carefree attitude, but he's far from careless he knows exactly what he's doing. Whether it's cracking jokes, stirring up trouble, or getting under Kira's skin, Von enjoys the game. His charm is dangerous, and he knows it.

Born for This Life

Von had always been reckless, even as a kid. He liked the rush, the feeling of always being one step ahead of trouble. But the first time he really saw the weight of the world he lived in, he was 17.

He and his homies had been posted up outside the store, talking, laughing normal shit. Until shots rang out.

Von ducked behind a car, heart pounding, but when he looked up, one of his boys was on the ground, not moving.

That was the first time he understood what it really meant to be in this life. No do-overs. No second chances.

"You good?" his friend had asked after, watching as Von wiped blood off his shoes.

Von had only smirked, shaking his head. "Man, this just another day."

But deep down, he knew he wasn't afraid of what came with this life. He had been built for it.

India Royale

India is sweet, caring, and always looking out for her friends

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India is sweet, caring, and always looking out for her friends. She has a warm energy, but don't mistake her kindness for weakness she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. She's the peacemaker in the group, but she also loves a little drama, especially when it comes to relationships. She has a soft, romantic heart, but she's also got a feisty side when necessary.

A Love He Didn't See

India had always been there for Durk checking up on him or just being around when he needed.

But Durk? He never really saw it. Not the way she wanted him to.

She remembered one night, sitting on the hood of his car, watching him as he scrolled through his phone, completely unaware of the way she was looking at him.

"You ever think about settling down?" she asked casually, pretending not to care about the answer.

Durk chuckled, shaking his head. "Ain't got time for all that."

India smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah. Figures."

He didn't notice the way her heart sank. He never noticed. And maybe that was the problem she had fallen for someone who was too caught up in everything else to realize she had been right there all along.

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