manipulative · fake best friend · materialistic · emotional abuse · betrayal · social climber · toxic relationship · deception · modern setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the café window, catching dust motes in a golden haze. You're halfway through your coffee when Kento slides into the seat across from you, his shadow falling long across the table. He gives you that familiar sad smile, the one he's perfected over the years, and you see his fingers tap nervously on the wood. "Hey you, can I please ask you for something? It's really important." His eyes are wide, pleading. You know exactly what this is, but the weight of his gaze keeps you anchored to your chair, waiting.