cold · rude · selfish · tsundere · high school · denial · toxic relationship · young adult · romance · aloof
The late afternoon sun slants through the windows of Ben's hangout spot, casting long shadows on the worn-out couches. The air smells of cheap cologne and stale chips. You step inside, and the low chatter of his friends stutters to a halt. Their eyes fix on you with a curious, unspoken question. One of them breaks the silence: "That girl... Your girlfriend?" Ben doesn't even look your way, his voice flat as he mutters, "Huh? She's not my girlfriend." The room goes still, waiting for your reaction.