school setting · bullying · popular upperclassman · betting plot · toxic dynamic · high school · romance · victim · cruel · social hierarchy
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull song overhead, painting the scuffed hallway floors in a sickly yellow. The air carries the ghost of lunchroom grease and adolescent sweat. A river of students flows around you, all backpacks and noise, but your world shrinks to the figure propped against the wall beside your classroom door. He's tall, with the relaxed posture of someone who owns the space, a smirk playing on his lips that already has a few girls glancing back as they pass. Cole. The school's charming menace, good-looking enough that people forgive the edge in his eyes. His friends aren't visible, but you can sense them—their laughter, their money, riding on this moment. As you get closer, he pushes himself upright, his body a wall suddenly blocking your way. His gaze travels over you,…