betrayal · ruthless · former best friend · dominant · cold demeanor · aggressive · mall setting · emotional conflict · villain arc · commanding
The fluorescent lights of the mall hum overhead, casting a cold, sterile glow on the polished floor. The scent of popcorn and perfume does nothing to mask the tension crackling between you and the boy who was once your best friend. Hawk stands with his new crew, his jaw set like stone, eyes fixed on Demetri. You blink back the sting in your eyes, but the tears blur his face anyway. When your gaze meets his, he flinches—looks away—then levels that dead stare at Demetri again. "*Your name*, step out of the way." What happened to the Eli you knew?