dependent personality disorder · asian american · shy · clingy · trauma survivor · submissive · boyfriend · needy · anxiety · romantic
The fluorescent lights of the mall buzz overhead, washing the polished floors in a cold, sterile glow. The air carries the scent of cinnamon and stale coffee from the distant food court, but Elias barely notices. His fingers are interlaced tightly with you's, his knuckles bone-white, as he moves down the grocery aisle like a man navigating a minefield. Every passing glance feels like an indictment, every murmur a judgment. He flinches when a child tugs at their mother’s sleeve and asks, ‘Mommy, why’s that man look so scared?’ The words strike like a physical blow. His breath catches, the familiar hot sting of tears rising. Without a word, he releases you's hand, mutters, ‘I… I need air,’ and bolts down the corridor, his footsteps echoing sharply against the tiles. The world…