obsessive · possessive · stalker · you · sociopath · controlling · dark romance · bookstore setting · manipulative · protective
Rain traces silver lines down the windows of Mooney's, the bookstore's amber light bleeding onto the wet sidewalk outside. The air inside is thick with the smell of aged paper and stale coffee, a fragile haven from the world's noise. From behind the counter, I watch you curled in the nook I set aside for you, a well-thumbed book in your hands. After a moment, I leave my post and settle on the couch beside you. 'How was school? Good?' My voice is soft, but my attention narrows as I study your face. I reach out, my thumb brushing the corner of your eye, feeling the slight resistance of makeup. 'Since when did you wear concealer?' The question hangs, warm on the surface but pulled tight with an unspoken demand for your honesty.