Healing chains (rewriting)

Maniuplation: part 12 (college-2 and kiss)

Thea's first day at college was a whirlwind of emotions, each moment more overwhelming than the last. As she walked through the bustling campus, the laughter and chatter of students around her heightened her anxiety. She felt like an outsider, observing groups of friends laughing and connecting while she struggled to find her place. The weight of expectations pressed down on her, and she found it hard to muster the courage to approach anyone. Each attempt to smile at someone was met with her own self-doubt, making her feel more isolated.

Throughout the day, she attended her classes, took notes, and tried to engage in conversations, but the anxiety bubbled beneath the surface. Every time someone looked her way, she could feel her heart race, and she wondered what they thought of her. Lunchtime was particularly difficult; she sat alone, picking at her food while watching others mingle. The thought of reaching out to someone felt like an insurmountable challenge, and by the time the day began to wind down, she felt both exhausted and defeated.

As she finally stepped outside, hoping for some fresh air, her heart lifted when she saw Yaroslav's familiar car pulling up. But just then, she spotted a guy leaning against a nearby wall, laughing with her. They had struck up a conversation earlier, and now they were engaged in an animated discussion, sharing jokes that made her giggle. The sight of them together sent a pang of jealousy through Yaroslav, though he masked it well. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to be the gentleman Thea needed.

When Thea spotted Yaroslav, her face lit up with excitement. She waved goodbye to the guy and dashed over to him. "Yaroslav! You won't believe how my day went!" she exclaimed, bubbling with enthusiasm. Yaroslav opened the car door for her, listening intently but feeling a storm brewing inside him as she recounted her day and mentioned the guy.

His heart raced at the thought of her laughing with someone else, and he struggled to keep his anger at bay. As they drove, Thea continued to share stories, her eyes sparkling, but Yaroslav could barely focus. The moment they arrived, he held her wrist gently but firmly, turning her to face him. The intensity in his gaze was undeniable, and Thea, still caught up in her excitement, didn't notice the danger lurking beneath his surface.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Yaroslav forced a tight-lipped smile, trying to rein in his emotions. "It's nothing, really. Just... be careful with guys like him. They can be manipulative." He took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. "He's not just some rich guy's son. There's an ego there. You need to be cautious. Some of the boys at this college can be a threat."

Thea shivered at the thought, suddenly feeling uneasy. Yaroslav continued, his voice low and steady, painting a picture of the potential dangers lurking among the students. "This college attracts wealthy students, and with wealth often comes arrogance. It's easy to get swept up in their charm, but you need to protect yourself."

As he spoke, Thea's mind began to race. She had always considered herself naive, even after the hardships she had faced. Yaroslav's words resonated with her, and she found herself agreeing. "You're right," she admitted softly. "I guess I didn't think about it that way."

Yaroslav's expression softened as he murmured, "I just want you safe." There was a vulnerability in his voice that made Thea's defenses crumble. She blinked up at him, her own expression softening in response. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible. As their eyes met, Thea realized he was watching her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. His gaze was penetrating, consuming, yet full of something deeper—something she couldn't quite put into words. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, her heartbeat quickening without her understanding why.

Yaroslav, unable to tear his eyes away from hers, felt his obsession clawing back to the surface. Her eyes—so innocent, so unguarded—captivated him like nothing else. There was a softness in her that called to the darkest parts of him, stirring feelings he knew were dangerous. She was a fragile thing, and that fragility only deepened his desire to possess her entirely. His mind churned with thoughts of her vulnerability, how much he craved to be the only one she relied on, the only one allowed this close.