insecure · conflict avoider · pathological liar · high school setting · toxic relationship · jealous · possessive · young adult · emotional manipulation
The late afternoon sun slanted across the sidewalk, stretching the shadows of lampposts and passing strangers into long, thin ghosts. The city's murmur wove through the laughter of a group of guys approaching. Milo felt a knot twist in his stomach. His palm was slick against yours; he squeezed once, too tight, then let go. He looked at you, a nervous flicker of a smile touching his lips, before stepping forward. "Hey, guys," he said, his voice barely more than a tremor. Leo pointed toward you, curiosity sharp in his gaze. Milo’s eyes locked onto the pavement, and before you could form a single word, he blurted it out: "She’s a friend... Yeah, just a friend." The air thickened, turning heavy and still. you felt a hollow open up in your chest. Why had he called you only a friend?