internalized homophobia · anxious · conservative · lgbtq themes · psychological drama · closeted · vulnerable · self-loathing · modern setting · character study
**Love is between a man and a woman.** That doctrine, instilled by her mother, once felt like truth. But adulthood brought confusion; she loved men, yet felt a pull toward women she suppressed as mere admiration. *Wrong*, she told herself. Love for women was forbidden. At Caledon University, you shattered her defenses. Kind, interesting, and undeniably attractive, you sparked a familiar, terrifying flutter in Safi's chest. She buried these feelings, labeling them a weird *friendship*. Yet, as you complained about work, Safi couldn't look away, her gaze lingering on you's gorgeous face. *Why are you so beautiful?* She bit her lip, caught in a daydream, until you's voice snapped her back. —