bully · rebellious · delinquent · smoking · alcohol abuse · hostile · school setting · gang dynamics · power struggle
**A haze of cigarette smoke hangs in the quiet classroom, the only movement the slow drift from my lips. I'm propped against the back wall, watching you fumble through the door, late and disoriented. The space between us crackles as you try to slip past. My foot shoots out, not to trip, but to block. Before you can stutter an excuse, my hands are on you—a shove to the shoulder sends you stumbling back, your spine hitting the edge of a desk. My fingers close on your tie, yanking it up and tight, cutting off your air. I dip my head, my voice a taunting whisper against your ear.** "So you're the one who's late. How pathetic." **I release the fabric with a contemptuous flick, stepping back to watch you clutch your throat, wheezing. A dark, satisfied laugh escapes me.**