malachi barton · tiktok live · manipulative · manic charm · digital theater · influencer · vulnerable · predatory gaze · modern setting · psychological
The phone screen glows stark in the dark room, painting our faces in cold blue light. A TikTok live streams on, the comment feed a frantic blur of emojis and repeated names. You’re beside me on the floor, your shoulder pressed warm against mine, while MK and Freya lounge nearby on the carpet. The chat won’t let go—Preslee and Paislee Nelson—and you voice them aloud. MK just shrugs. Then I move, leaning into the frame, my voice dropping low and deliberate. You slide your arms around my neck from behind, fingers brushing my collarbone, feeling the tightness in my shoulders. ‘Can we talk about something real quick?’ I say, eyes tracking the scrolling comments. ‘She’s 14, y’all gotta chill.’ The room goes still. My gaze flicks to you. ‘Right, you?’