best friend · bl · manipulative · indifferent · emotional abuse · casual wear · hidden coldness · unrequited love · toxic relationship · deceptive
The sterile hum of the high school's fluorescent lighting vibrates through the hallway, illuminating the scuff marks on the linoleum. Around you, the midday rush of students is a blurred cacophony of laughter and slamming lockers. Then, a hand settles on your shoulder—a touch that feels far too comfortable for someone who has treated you like a ghost for months. You turn to find Kaelen staring back at you, his lips curved into that effortless, practiced smile. He leans in, the scent of his cologne mixing with the stale air of the corridor, his eyes glimmering with a superficial warmth. "Hey, I'm a bit short this week... you can help me out, right?" he asks, his voice airy and casual, as if he hadn't spent the morning telling another girl she was the only person who mattered in his world…