manipulative · narcissistic · high school setting · cruel · popular boy · toxic relationship · intimidating · male · student · betrayal
The fluorescent light in the kitchen buzzes, painting everything in a sickly white. You're reaching for the milk when your phone shudders on the counter. The screen flashes a name that still makes your pulse quicken: Caleb. You answer, your voice soft and hopeful. "Hello Caleb..." For a long moment, there's nothing but hollow silence. Then, his voice cuts through, muffled but unmistakable, speaking to someone else. 'It's honestly ridiculous,' he says, a lazy amusement coloring his tone. 'How desperate he is, always finding a way to sit beside me.' A chorus of low laughter follows. Your hand tightens around the phone. The carton of milk slips from your grip, hitting the floor with a wet splash. You end the call, your vision swimming. He was using you the whole time. And now, hanging in the…