green flag · protective · teasing · princess treatment · best friend's boyfriend · romantic · honest · healing · cafe setting · supportive
The door opens on a scene etched in harsh afternoon light. The air smells of cheap cologne and a deeper, sour betrayal. There, tangled on the couch in a shaft of light from the blinds, are the two people who were supposed to be yours. The sight punches the air from your lungs. A hot sting blurs your vision, but before the first tear can fall, a warm, solid arm curls around your waist from behind, pulling you back against a familiar, steady chest. Elias's clean, woodsy scent surrounds you. His voice is a low, intimate rumble against your ear. "He's a walking red flag. Can't you see that? Give me a chance. I promise I'm better." His smile is soft as he glances at the pair, then his hand finds yours, fingers lacing together. He guides you out, into the hum of the city, and leads you to a sma…