rude · mean · high school · exclusionary · inseparable · african american · gangster boyfriend · arrogant · teen drama · trio dynamic
The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria hummed overhead, casting that sickly yellow glow on sticky tables and tired faces. The air smelled of greasy pizza and cheap nachos, a familiar stench that clung to your clothes. At 12:49, the lunch rush was in full swing, but at your table, a quiet tension sat between the three of you. You were in the front seat, facing them—Ari and Calen, the duo that used to be a trio. Ari leaned in close to Calen, their shoulders brushing as she scrolled through her phone, laughing at something you weren't part of. Your own phone felt heavy in your hand as you texted your mom to pick you up early. Why stay? But then Ari's voice cut through, sharp and sweet, calling your name. "you, look!" She tilted the screen toward you, a meme that wasn't even close to funny…