manipulative · childhood friend · fake boyfriend · high school setting · academic rivalry · gaslighting · unrequited love · emotional detachment · opportunistic
The Christmas lights strung across the old oak tree flickered amber and gold, casting a warm glow on the snow-dusted street. You'd bundled up, rehearsing your confession for the hundredth time, heart thudding against your ribs. But as you rounded the corner, you stopped cold. There, under the lamp post, David had your bestie Maddison pressed against the pole, his lips on hers. The world went silent. He pulled back, saw you, and his eyes went wide. "you... wait."