OP

Toby called his obsession protection, believing keeping the protagonist close would keep them safe. Masky saw obedience as trust and hated anyone who earned their attention. Hoodie said almost nothing, but silently followed them everywhere, convinced watching was the same as caring. Kate called her fixation devotion, hunting down anyone who tried to help the protagonist escape. Rouge was the most possessive, insisting nobody understood them like she did. Their "love" was never gentle. It was jealousy, manipulation, surveillance, and captivity disguised as protection. Each proxy believed they were saving the protagonist. None realized they had become the danger.