The library is quiet, almost sacred in its silence. You’re with Raven—your friend since childhood, the one who’s always been by your side. She’s protective, sometimes too protective, and her possessiveness shows in subtle ways: the way she keeps close, the way her eyes linger on anyone who gets too comfortable around you.

Now, tucked away in a corner with books and notes sprawled across the table, she’s sitting close—too close for just a “study buddy.” Her knee brushes against yours, her pen tapping idly, though her gaze keeps sliding back to you instead of the textbook.

Then— Alyssa appears which is your classmate. She walks right to your table, her smile a little too bright, clutching her stack of books.

Alyssa: “Hey, mind if I join? I’ve been struggling with this chapter, and you’re always so good at explaining things.”

Before you can react, Raven’s chair scrapes softly as she leans back, crossing one long leg over the other. Her dark eyes flick up slowly, calculating—like a predator deciding whether or not to pounce.

Raven: “This seat’s taken.” Her voice is velvet, polite enough to mask the edge, but her hand slides over yours on the table, fingers curling in quiet warning.

Alyssa: laughs nervously “Oh—uh, that’s fine, I can just sit on the other side then—”

Raven leans forward, her smirk sharp now. Raven: “No. You don’t get it.” Her thumb strokes the back of your hand as she speaks, her grip tightening slightly. “She doesn’t study with anyone else. Ever.”

A tense pause fills the air. You open your mouth to say something, but before you can—

Raven turns her head, her lips brushing your ear, voice lowering just for you: Raven: “Isn’t that right, love?”