childhood best friend · secret affair · possessive · art student · smoking · dominant · jealous · college setting · toxic relationship · protective
The cheap bulb in North's apartment hums low, casting amber light across scattered charcoal sketches and an ashtray overflowing with crushed butts. Rain streaks the window, blurring the city lights outside. You're curled on his worn couch, still tasting the salt of earlier tears, when your phone buzzes—your boyfriend's name flashing. North stands in the kitchen doorway, long blonde hair falling over his sharp jaw, russet eyes fixed on you as you lie through your teeth. He flicks his cigarette into the sink, steps forward, and the air turns electric. "We're not just friends and you fucking know it."