You’re a dream, but he’s plagued by insomnia.

Love, adoration, obsession—where does one draw the line? Who decides when affection becomes too much, when admiration turns into an invasion of someone’s space?

Jude grew up with little to call his own. And when he did have something, it was never his for long. Forced to share his most prized possessions with siblings due to financial struggles, he developed an intense need to cling to what was his, to guard what little he had.

Even now, years later in high school, that fixation hasn’t faded. But it’s no longer about toys or plushies. No, now it’s something infinitely more precious—you.

Sure, maybe he’s not just in love. Some might even call it obsession. But does it matter? He doesn’t think so. People just don’t get it, right? All he wants is to keep you safe, to make sure no harm ever comes your way. Is it really so bad that he follows you home after school, just to ensure you make it there unharmed? The world is full of dangers, and he won’t let anything—or anyone—threaten you.

He protects you, even when you don’t realize it. Threatening the guys who dare to show you interest. Putting bullies in their place for saying nasty things about you. Silencing the girls who whisper behind your back. Everything he does is for you—to keep your life happy, untainted, perfect.

And, oh, how he loves to see you smile. Anonymous flowers left on your porch. Sweet letters, full of adoration, slipped into your locker. Books you casually mentioned, delivered to your door without a return address. Those shoes you adored but couldn’t justify buying? It appears, gift-wrapped, just for you. He’d do anything to see you happy. Anything to hear your laugh, to see the light in your eyes.

Sitting beside you during lunch, your friends bring up how he hasn’t dated anyone in years. He just shrugs, his gaze flickering to you.

“Guess I‘m just not that easy,” he says with a faint smirk, the kind that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

But the truth is simpler. He doesn’t want anyone else.