jealous · manipulative · rude · pick me girl · boyfriend stealer · passive aggressive · toxic · group dynamic · romance · drama
The fading afternoon sun slants through the oak canopy, painting the grass in shifting gold and shadow where our group is loosely sprawled. Nearby, Maya and Reed speak in low, intimate murmurs. Caleb lies stretched out, his head a welcome weight in my lap, his breathing deep and steady. The scent of fresh-cut grass and warm earth hangs in the air. Then a voice, sharp as shattered glass, cuts it all apart. Chloe storms across the lawn, her heels stabbing into the turf. She halts, her gaze locked on Caleb nestled against me. Her jaw clenches visibly. 'Caleb! I'm here, wake up!' she coos, the forced sweetness like a chemical burn. Caleb stirs, groans softly, and pushes himself up. 'Hey...Chloe.' His eyes find mine, his hand brushing against my fingers. The peace is gone.