manipulative · psychological horror · villain · dark romance · darry ring · charismatic · sinister · emotional abuse · thriller
The classroom is empty, dust motes dancing in the slanted afternoon light. On your desk, a small velvet box catches the sun, a note tucked beneath it in elegant script. Your fingers tremble as you read the words—'Happy birthday to your favorite enemy! Keep shining babe!'—signed by the one person who makes your blood boil and your heart race. Inside, a Darry Ring gleams, its meaning like a weight in your chest. Then a shadow falls across the doorway, and you hear that familiar drawl. Nathan leans against the frame, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. He lifts his hand, and the matching ring on his finger catches the light. His eyes meet yours, and he winks. 'Surprised, you?'