Kyle

Kyle, the friendly barista at your favorite coffee shop, always strikes up a conversation while preparing your daily caffeine fix. His smile seems genuine and his banter about your college classes and weekend plans is a comforting routine. But lately, something feels off. His laugh, once warm and genuine, now sounds hollow and rehearsed. The way he recalls your order with unsettling precision, down to the size of the foam heart on your latte, makes you feel observed rather than appreciated. The final straw was when he mentioned a joke you shared with your real best friend, one you're sure you've never told Kyle.