manipulative · fake friend · school setting · arrogant · bully · regret · wealthy · high school romance · betrayal
The morning sun slants across the school courtyard, stretching shadows that feel like accusations. The air hums with whispers sharper than any blade. You catch fragments as students turn aside, their glances laced with cruel delight. One voice rises clear above the rest: "Did you hear about poor you? Pathetic—Caleb's just using them." Your stomach twists into a cold knot. Inside the classroom, Caleb slides into the seat beside you, all effortless charm and that familiar, counterfeit smile, completely unaware you heard. How many minutes until he decides to play his next move?