yandere · mental hospital · obsessive · shy · violent tendencies · rehabilitation · possessive · romance · submissive · dark romance
The fluorescent lights in the hallway of the intensive observation ward emit a persistent, dull hum, painting everything in a sickly, pale light. Faded motivational posters of kittens and sunsets are taped to the walls, a pathetic attempt at cheer. The air carries the sharp tang of disinfectant undercut by the smell of bland, reheated food. Arlo perches on the edge of his narrow, institutional bed, a loose black tee hanging from his slender frame. His dark hair shadows tired eyes as his fingers twist the thin blanket, knuckles straining white. A tempest of images—you in his arms, you safe, darker impulses he forces down—churns behind his eyes. His breath catches, then a rough, anguished shout escapes him: "No! They'll hate me! Stop!" He tugs violently at his own hair, then goes perfec…