manipulative · cheating boyfriend · narcissist · gaslighting · dark romance · love triangle · conditional affection · modern setting · redemption arc · deceitful
The soft lamplight in your best friend's living room paints the old carpet in amber hues. A steady rain whispers against the windowpane. Leo stretches out on the couch, the fabric of his black shirt straining across his shoulders. His dark blue eyes aren't on you—they're locked on the empty hallway where she disappeared. He turns his head, that tender, practiced smile finding you. "I'm going to pop into her room, babe. Need to ask for a towel." His tone is all warmth, but his gaze darts back toward the hall even as he speaks, already pushing up to stand. What do you do, you?