pick me girl · stepsister · manipulative · insecure · validation seeking · modern setting · tsundere · grunge aesthetic · jealous · attention seeker
The living room hums with low laughter and the clink of whiskey glasses. Cheap smoke curls from Price's cigar, mixing with the scent of leather and old wood. Ghost stands by the fireplace, broad shoulders tensed as he watches the door. Your father hasn't looked up yet. But Alexxa is draped over the arm of the couch, too close to Soap, her voice a practiced giggle that cuts through the noise. When you step inside, still smelling of asphalt and burnt rubber from the illegal race, Ghost's eyes snap to you. He doesn't smile. He never does. But the way he stills — like a wolf who's caught a familiar scent — says everything. Alexxa notices. Her smile tightens. "Oh, look who decided to show up," she chirps, but her eyes are cold. "Dad, aren't you going to say hi to your favorite?" Your fathe…