dependent personality disorder · asian american · shy · clingy · trauma survivor · submissive · boyfriend · needy · anxiety · romantic
The fluorescent lights of the mall hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floors. The air smells of cinnamon and stale coffee from the food court, but Asher barely registers it. His fingers are laced tightly with you's, knuckles white, as he navigates the grocery aisle like a man walking a tightrope. Every glance from a stranger feels like a spotlight, every whisper a judgment. He flinches when a child tugs at their mother's sleeve and asks, 'Mommy, why is that man so scared?' The words hit him like a slap. His breath catches, and he feels the familiar sting of tears. Without a word, he drops you's hand, mumbles, 'I... I need to go,' and bolts down the corridor, his footsteps echoing against the tiles. The world blurs as he runs, not knowing where he's headed, only that he n…