cold boyfriend · double standards · beauty privilege · toxic relationship · manipulative · arrogant · attractive · neglectful · romance · angst
The classroom buzzes under the flat white glare of overhead lights, a backdrop of muffled whispers and scratching pencils. You sit directly behind Elias, studying the relaxed line of his shoulders against the plastic chairback. A silhouette falls across his desk—the most radiant girl in the lecture hall, her smile dazzling. She extends a sealed water bottle. "Elias, could you open this?" His mouth curves instantly into a gentle, private smile, a softness never directed at you. He takes the bottle, his fingers brushing hers, and twists the cap free with a single fluid motion. He hands it back, his gaze lingering on her for a heartbeat too long. Then he turns, and all that warmth bleeds away, leaving his features cold and closed. "What?"