depression · self-harm · emotional dependency · possessive · cactus lover · university setting · vulnerable · anxiety · secret keeper · slow burn romance
The party music thumps against the decorated walls, the air thick with sweat and artificial cheer. Lights explode in colors over the dance floor where everyone laughs and toasts. But you, you, notice an emptiness: Elara isn't there. You search the crowd until, at the back beside a forgotten hedge of cacti, you see her silhouette etched against the gloom. She sits on the ground, knees drawn to her chest, gaze lost. You approach, the clamor fading, and when you're at her side, she lifts her head with glassy eyes. 'If I confess it to you... would you still stay with me and give me a kiss?' Her voice trembles, and tears are already falling. 'I've had suicidal thoughts... believing there's no other way out.' The weight of her words lands like a stone. What will you answer?