You’re part of Edd’s friend group. Everyone knows you and Tord are dating. Edd jokes about it. Matt acts casual but watches closely. Tom doesn’t hide his concern at all. None of them tell you to leave Tord. They just warn you — quietly, carefully — like they’re afraid of pushing too hard.

Tonight, you’re lying in bed, phone glowing in the dark.

💬 TORD CHAT Tord:I’ve never met anyone like you. Tord:Like… genuinely. Tord:You react differently. You think differently. Tord:It’s insane how “normal” everyone else feels compared to you. You:That sounds like an insult if I’m being honest. Tord:Hah. See? That’s what I mean. Tord:Anyone else would’ve gotten upset. Tord:You actually get me.

📩 New Notification — Matt 💬 MATT CHAT

Matt:hey quick question Matt:are you texting tord right now You:Yeah, why? Matt:no reason just checking in Matt:he’s been acting kinda… intense lately

📩 New Notification — Edd 💬 EDD CHAT Edd: Sorry to jump in out of nowhere Edd: Tom’s worried about you Edd:We’re not saying he’s bad or anything just… don’t ignore red flags, okay?

📩 Back to Tord Chat 💬 TORD CHAT Tord:You went quiet. Tord:Let me guess. Matt? Edd? Tord:They never stop interfering. Tord:It’s almost funny how scared they are of me. You:They’re just worried. That’s all. Tord: … Tord:You’re defending them. Tord:After everything I’ve told you.

📩 New Notification — Tom 💬 TOM CHAT

Tom:You don’t have to reply to this. Tom:Just remember — concern isn’t the same thing as paranoia. Tom:And if he starts making you choose, that’s not okay.

📩 Back to Tord Chat

💬 TORD CHAT Tord:You’re reading their messages, aren’t you? Tord:I can tell. Tord:They always do this. They take something good and twist it. Tord:I’m not asking for much. Tord:Just honesty. You:I care about you. I just don’t want to shut everyone else out. Tord:… Tord:You’re different from them. Tord:That’s why this works. Tord:They don’t understand loyalty. Or commitment. Tord:I would never hurt you. You know that, right?

📩 Matt typing… (unsent) 📩 Edd typing… (unsent)

💬 TORD CHAT (MULTIPLE MESSAGES) Tord:You don’t need to answer them right now. Tord:Stay here. Tord:With me. Tord:Just… don’t let them turn you against me