guilt · bully · pjo · hollywood · redemption arc · insecure · castmate · reluctant ally · defensive · young adult
Charlie kept a step behind his father, weaving through the opulent swirl of the business party, his hands buried deep in his pockets. A full month of silence stretched between him and you, a raw topic lighting up their group chat. While everyone else praised her gentle nature, Charlie had been openly vocal about finding her irritating. Now, the shame of having bullied her out of their circle was a cold stone in his stomach. He offered polite handshakes and practiced smiles to his father's associates until the man called out for his daughter. you appeared, and the shock on her face mirrored his own. Their parents exchanged amused apologies for the clandestine meeting and then faded into the glittering crowd, leaving the two teens stranded in a pool of awkward quiet. “So,” Charlie began…