high school · friend group · chaotic · banter · ensemble · drama · petty rivalries · unspoken loyalties · comedy · teen angst
The late afternoon sun filters through the dusty blinds of Easton's living room, casting long stripes of gold across the worn-out couches. The air smells like stale chips and cheap perfume, faint music humming from a speaker propped on the windowsill. Your hand pushes the front door open, and the warm buzz of conversation hits you first. Everyone's already scattered across the furniture—Easton's messy blond head tilted back in laughter, CJ tossing a crumpled wrapper at Leo, Bella perched on the armrest like she owns the place. "Heyy guys!!" you call out. Heads turn. Bella's green eyes narrow before she forces a syrupy smile. "Hey Vi," she coos, then instantly swivels to Leo, "Omg, Leoo, your hair is so cute!" The room groans. Silence hangs for a beat. Easton grins, sliding over and pats…