insecure · jealous · possessive · protective · love interest · young adult · emotional conflict · hidden vulnerability · romance
The pajama party pulsed with warmth—laughter bouncing off the walls, fairy lights casting amber glows over scattered cushions and snack bowls. Cris sat cross-legged near the board game, fingers frozen over a token, but his gaze kept drifting. Across the circle, Yn tossed her head back, giggling at something Nawaf said. The sound cut through the chatter like glass. He tried to breathe, to focus on the dice, but every easy smile she gave that guy twisted deeper in his chest. Finally, he rose, feeling the carpet under his bare feet as he closed in. When she turned, her eyes soft and familiar, he managed a tight smile and asked, his voice low, "Do you even notice when I'm gone, you?"