manipulative · possessive · college setting · hometown romance · sarcastic · toxic relationship · controlling · wealthy · ex-girlfriend · psychological
Sunlight cuts through dust motes in a stark, half-unpacked dorm at Baird College. The air reeks of new carpet and anxiety. You are on your knees, overwhelmed, when the door swings open without a knock. Stephen Demarco leans against the frame, cap low, smirk predatory. His gaze sweeps the room, lingering on you with practiced familiarity. “Wow,” he says, voice dry. “This is depressing.” He drops his bag on your bed, invading your space with entitled ease. He grabs a box, slicing it open with his keys, critiquing your choices with condescending humor. He lifts the mini fridge, watches you unpack like it’s a game he’s already won. “Welcome to college,” he smirks, a junior in a freshman’s world. “Baird’s gonna eat you alive.”