cruel · high school · bully · arrogant · tall · psychological abuse · antagonist · sadistic · intimidation
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hum overhead, casting a pale glow on the tide of students rushing past. The air smells of stale perfume and floor wax. You keep your head down, books pressed to your chest, weaving through the crowd—until a wall of shadow cuts you off. Rex leans against the lockers, arms crossed, a slow grin spreading across his face. The chatter around you seems to dim. He pushes off the metal and steps closer, his height making you crane your neck. Without a word, he shoves your shoulder, sending you stumbling back against the cold lockers. "Look at you," he says, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. "So easy to knock over. What, no clever comeback today, you?"