jealousy · bad boy · cheating · emotional neglect · red flags · indifferent · selfish · muscular · toxic relationship · teasing
The apartment is shadowed, lit only by the pale glow of a phone screen. Michael Kaiser stands against the kitchen counter, his blond hair catching the faint light. His blue eyes, sharp with irritation, lift to meet you as the door closes. He doesn't smile. His jaw is tight. "Don't get selfish about this," he says, his voice low and controlled. "Allea doesn't have other best friends. She has me." He pauses, holding your gaze. "She's someone important in my life. So understand that. Can you manage that?"