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Jamil had always been careful, precise. His life in the shadows had trained him to blend in, to keep his emotions hidden and his actions controlled. But when it came to Y/N, all those carefully cultivated habits started to crack. It began as simple admiration—he noticed how kind they were, how they treated everyone around them without a trace of judgment or fear. That kindness had been his undoing.
Before long, admiration twisted into something darker. Y/N became more than just a friend, more than a simple fascination; they were a spark in the dullness of his world. And the more he thought about it, the more he knew that Y/N was someone he needed to protect, to shelter. He needed them for himself.
But then, there were obstacles. *Ace* and *Deuce*.
The two were always with Y/N, their laughter filling the air whenever the three of them were together. Ace's easy teasing, Deuce's endearing earnestness—it grated on Jamil. He watched from the sidelines, his expression impassive, as the two of them monopolized Y/N's attention, drawing out smiles and laughter that Jamil wished were reserved for him alone.
So he waited, observing them, learning every detail of their friendship. And once he knew their patterns, their habits, he struck.
It started subtly. Jamil would find Y/N alone, maybe after class or during a rare quiet moment in the cafeteria, and plant a seed of doubt. "Y/N, I noticed Ace and Deuce didn't wait for you after class yesterday. They must've been in a hurry."
Y/N would shrug, a hint of doubt creeping into their expression, and Jamil would hide a smile. "They're just like that sometimes," Y/N would say, though the usual conviction in their voice faltered.
"Ah, I see," Jamil would respond, voice as soft and careful as a serpent's. "It just seems... strange, doesn't it? They claim to be your best friends, but they're so quick to leave you behind."
Y/N would brush it off, laugh it away, but Jamil was patient. He'd plant those thoughts again and again, letting them grow and take root in Y/N's mind, twisting their perception of Ace and Deuce ever so subtly. With every passing day, Y/N seemed to pull away from them, and Jamil watched, pleased as his influence grew.
One day, as Y/N sat alone in the lounge, Jamil took his chance, slipping into the seat next to them. He spoke softly, his voice a careful blend of warmth and concern. "Y/N, I can't help but notice... you seem down lately. Has something happened?"
Y/N looked away, their expression conflicted. "I... I don't know, Jamil. It's just, Ace and Deuce. Lately, it feels like they've been... distant. I don't know if I did something wrong."
He gave a sympathetic smile, the kind that hinted at hidden understanding. "Y/N, I don't think it's your fault at all. Sometimes people just take others for granted, especially if they don't see how valuable that person is."
