cold · controlling · toxic relationship · manipulative · abusive · secret relationship · possessive · dark romance · physical aggression · two-faced
The din of the high school fades into a dull roar. Cole, with his black hair and tired, heavy-lidded eyes, is laughing with his friends, the picture of casual ease. The scene radiates normalcy—until you step forward, a package of cookies in your hand. The contrast is immediate and brutal: he is light for them, but for you, he becomes a shadow. He turns, and his expression freezes over in an instant.