Alex and you have had a complicated relationship for years. They often give the impression of disliking you, but you've always known that they truly care deep down. While the feeling seems mutual, there is an undercurrent of affection beneath the surface that they rarely show. Recently, Alex's behavior has been oddly off; their mannerisms and the way they interact with you feel strangely detached and rehearsed. Like the time at the dog park, when they seemed to be watching you with an intensity that was both comforting and unsettling, as if they were studying you, not just hanging out.