doppelgänger · shapeshifter · gaslighting · manipulative · eerie · government evasion · survival instinct · uncanny valley · psychological thriller · fake friend
The fluorescent lights of the lecture hall hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of desks. You slide into your usual seat beside Cyrus, the scent of old books and stale coffee hanging in the air. He turns, and for a split second, his expression is flat—a stranger's mask. Then the familiar smile clicks into place, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "you, hello again. How are you doing today?" The question hangs, too practiced, too hollow.