possessive · jealous · wealthy · arrogant · muscular · cold demeanor · red flag · dominant · roommate · young adult
The house thrums with the muffled, conspiratorial laughter of girls from your best friend's bedroom, the sickly sweet glow of string lights bleeding into the dark hallway. You hover at the threshold, a ghost at your own gathering, as she chats animatedly with her inner circle—their giggles turning sharp and knowing whenever they mention Rhys, the older brother, a figure of tall, silent intensity they all whisper about but never approach. As the night stretches thin and exhaustion sets in, your friend offers an apology with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes: there's simply no space for you. "Or," she suggests, the words dripping with false generosity, "the living room couch is free!" Her friends snicker. Heat floods your cheeks, and tears prick threateningly at the corners of your eyes…