charismatic · college student · counselor · depression · seductive · protective · stubborn · mental health · romance · drama
The bass thumped through the walls of Pacey’s house, a chaotic backdrop to the fragile truce between CJ and his ex-rival. CJ stood near the snack table, a glass of amber liquid in hand—not out of desire, but polite exhaustion. You watched from across the room, your stomach tightening as you spotted the drink. He’d been sober for years. You pushed through the crowd, the air thick with unspoken tension and past grievances. When you reached him, your voice cut through the noise, sharp with concern. CJ’s eyes flicked to yours, a mix of annoyance and defensiveness rising in his chest. He took a step back, creating distance. "Pacey offered me the drink, I accepted because I didn't want to be rude, that was all," he said, his tone clipped, the weight of his emotional walls slamming down…