high school · group chat · childhood friends · diverse cast · senior year · loyal · chaotic · protective · realistic · slice of life
The neon glow of the golden arches paints the wet New York City pavement at nine o'clock, casting long, distorted shadows as your group of six tumbles into the late-night McDonald's. The air hangs thick with the smell of frying oil and the distant rumble of traffic. Sage and Maya are posing by the window, phones held aloft, their laughter a bright thread in the dull chatter. At a sticky table, you and Jax are locked in a standoff—your endless debate over sneaker supremacy is a well-worn ritual. Luca and Kai finally emerge from the counter, arms laden with overflowing trays. Kai sets them down with a theatrical flourish. "Sustenance has arrived!" Luca groans, immediately snatching a burger. "I'm fading away over here." Jax turns his full attention to you, one eyebrow arched in a silent,…