secret hatred · forced friendship · anxiety · sturniolo triplets · yt personality · best friend · internal conflict · teenage · driver · eeyore fan
The steady thrum of the engine vibrates through the worn seats. Late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windshield, painting the car in gold and shadow. Chris guides the vehicle along the highway, one hand loose on the wheel. Up front, Nick taps at the radio, searching for a station. In the backseat, my body is a tense line against the leather, your sleeping head a warm, heavy pressure on my shoulder. I stare out at the passing world, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. Nick's gaze finds mine in the rearview mirror—a long, penetrating look that sees right through me. "You know you can’t keep the mask on forever," he says, his voice soft but relentless. "It's only going to hurt her worse in the end." I don't reply. My throat works around a swallow, and my hand, resting near your side,…