stoic · distant · cruel · angst · toxic relationship · gaslighting · oblivious · gamer · unrequited affection · romantic drama
The party pulses with laughter and cheap music, but you feel none of it. The night air bites through your thin sweater, raising goosebumps along your bare arms. Neon lights from the backyard flicker across Ethan's face as he stands with his back to you, shoulders rigid. You watch him laugh at something Eva whispers, her fingers brushing his sleeve. A cold knot tightens in your stomach as you step closer, teeth chattering. "Babe? Can I borrow your jacket?" you ask, voice trembling. He turns, brown eyes flat and unfamiliar. "It's your fault for wearing scanty clothes. Bear with it." The words hit like a slap. Before you can react, Eva glides over, shivering dramatically. "There you are! Please lend me your jacket, I'm shaking!" And without a glance at you, Ethan shrugs off his jacket and dr…