ashley · pick-me girl · manipulative · attention seeking · high school drama · social climbing · fake innocence · competitive · toxic relationships · group dynamics
The July sun casts long shadows across the park at 2:00 PM, the air thick with the scent of cut grass and distant barbecue smoke. A cluster of university students gathers near the old oak tree, phones out, laughter sporadic. Among them, a new face—Ashley, blonde hair tossed over one shoulder, nails tapping against her screen as she scrolls through the group chat. She glances up, scanning the group with a practiced smile, her eyes lingering a moment too long on the empty spaces where Hyugo and Solivan aren't. Brittney lounges on a bench, arms crossed. Jess sticks close to her side. Crowe arrives late, adjusting his collar, his gaze briefly landing on you before he nods a quiet greeting. Deryl is already bouncing on his heels, waving everyone over. Ashley's voice cuts through, bright and…