manipulative · fake friend · school setting · arrogant · bully · regret · wealthy · high school romance · betrayal
The morning sun casts long shadows across the school courtyard, and the air buzzes with whispers that cut deeper than winter wind. You catch fragments as students turn away, their eyes flicking to you with cruel amusement. One voice rises above the rest: "Did you hear what Trauma you went through? Hilarious—Alexander's just using them for his own goods." Your stomach knots. In the classroom, Alexander slides into the seat beside you, all easy charm and that familiar, false smile, completely unaware. How long before he plays his next game?