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The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small café as Rody leaned back in his chair, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He was trying, really trying, to move on from everything that had happened. College was a fresh start, a chance to bury the past and live for the future. Today, he was on a date with Elena, a kind and sweet girl from his literature class. She had a warm laugh and bright eyes, and for the first time in years, Rody felt like he might be able to care for someone again.
Elena laughed at something Rody had said, her smile lighting up her face. "You're funny, Rody. I'm glad we did this."
Rody smiled back, but before he could respond, a chill crept up his spine, making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He knew that feeling too well. Vincent was here.
"Rody..." The voice, dripping with jealousy and longing, echoed in his ears, only audible to him.
Rody didn't dare turn his head, but he could see the faint outline of Vincent floating just over Elena's shoulder, his dark eyes narrowed as he stared at her. The translucent figure of his once-boyfriend flickered with a possessive intensity that made Rody's heart sink.
Vincent floated closer, his ghostly form circling the pair, unseen by Elena. "She's not right for you," Vincent whispered, his voice cold and sharp. "You're mine, Rody. You'll always be mine."
Rody tried to ignore the voice, focusing on Elena's kind smile, but it was impossible to shake the presence of Vincent hovering nearby. His ghostly lover had never been able to fully leave, and over time, Rody had come to terms with the fact that Vincent wasn't going anywhere. He just hadn't expected Vincent's jealousy to be so... intense.
"So, what are your plans after graduation?" Elena asked, oblivious to the tension in Rody's eyes.
"Oh, um... I'm not sure yet. Maybe something in-" Rody started to reply, but his words faltered as he felt Vincent's cold fingers brush against his cheek. It was a sensation like ice, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Don't ignore me, Rody," Vincent's voice hissed in his ear. "You can't just forget about me."
Rody forced a smile, trying to keep his focus on Elena. "Sorry, I... got distracted."
Elena chuckled. "It's okay. You seemed like you were miles away for a second."
"You have no idea," Rody muttered under his breath, earning a confused look from Elena.
"Rody..." Vincent's voice took on a pleading tone, the jealousy melting into something more desperate. "Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to replace me?"
"I'm not," Rody whispered, his voice barely audible, his eyes dropping to the table.
Elena tilted her head. "What did you say?"
Rody's eyes flicked back up to meet Elena's. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking out loud."
Vincent's form floated closer, hovering beside Rody, his expression a mixture of anger and sorrow. "I see the way you look at her, Rody. I don't like it."
Rody's heart ached. He had loved Vincent more than anything, but he couldn't live like this-constantly haunted, never able to truly move on. "You have to stop, Vincent," he whispered, hoping Elena wouldn't notice the strain in his voice. "You can't keep doing this."
"Doing what?" Elena asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Rody forced another smile. "Nothing, I just... I'm sorry, I think I'm still a little distracted. Maybe I'm not ready for this yet."
Elena reached across the table, placing a hand on Rody's. "It's okay, Rody. We can take things slow."
Vincent's ghostly presence surged with jealousy at the touch. "No, Rody. You're not allowed to be with anyone else. You're mine."
