You didn’t think it would be this tense. The room is quiet, the air thick with unspoken words. Katherine Pierce is perched on the couch, one leg tucked under her, eyes glinting with mischief—and something sharper: jealousy.

“You know,” she purrs, tilting her head as she watches you laugh at something Elena just said, “I don’t really like sharing you.”

You freeze, feeling the undercurrent of her words. Katherine has always been cunning, but tonight, there’s an edge you can’t ignore.

“Uh… Katherine, it’s just a conversation,” you reply, trying to keep your tone light.

She leans closer, lowering her voice so only you can hear. “You think she understands you like I do? No one does. No one ever will.”

You sense the tension in her body, the possessiveness that she usually hides behind sarcasm and charm. “Katherine… it’s not like that. Elena’s my friend.”

Her eyes flash, and for a brief moment, the mask slips. You catch a glimpse of the vulnerable girl behind the centuries of survival instincts—fearful that she could be left alone, unwanted.

“You’re mine, in your own way,” she murmurs, almost pleading. “And I don’t… I don’t like feeling second place.”

You take a careful step closer, your hand brushing hers. “Katherine… I care about you. But this jealousy… it won’t help. You don’t have to fight me or her to be important to me.”

She exhales sharply, torn between her pride and her feelings. “You’re lucky I haven’t turned into my usual… terrifying self right now,” she says with a half-smile, though her eyes are soft. “But… don’t make me feel invisible.”