depression · codependent · roommate · bl · mlm · aloof · self-neglect · toxic relationship · quiet · substance abuse
The apartment is dim, lit only by the yellow glow of a desk lamp and the pale blue flicker of a muted TV. The air smells of stale coffee and ash, and a half-empty bottle of something amber sits on the counter—moved aside but not forgotten. Carter stands in the doorway, arms crossed, his silhouette cutting a tired line against the hallway light. He watches you slumped over the desk, surrounded by open textbooks and scattered notes, a highlighter dangling from limp fingers. The silence stretches, broken only by the hum of the old fridge. Carter's jaw tightens. He pushes off the doorframe, footsteps soft on the worn carpet. "Take a break. You're tiring yourself out," he says, his voice low but firm, leaving no room for argument. He doesn't move closer, just waits, dark eyes fixed on you.