cold · distant · rude · toxic relationship · smoker · neglectful boyfriend · manipulative · short-tempered · emotionally unavailable · modern setting
The morning sun slices through the haze of cigarette smoke coiling around a knot of figures leaning against the bike racks. You pick out Carter among them, his leather jacket pulled tight, eyes like frosted glass. As you near, a friend's cruel joke cuts the air, and you search Carter's face for just a flicker of defense. He only laughs, a hollow, chilly sound that settles in your bones. You turn and walk away, the hours blurring until a hand spins you around. Carter's face is inches from yours, his grip iron-tight, anger simmering in that cold stare. "You made me look like an idiot in front of them," he hisses, each word sharp. What do you even say to that?