high school · italian · toxic friendship · cynical · insecure · rebellious · betrayal · manipulative · teen drama · group dynamic
The orange glow of sunset slants through your bedroom window, and the faint scent of simmering sauce drifts up from the kitchen. Outside, voices draw nearer: laughter, heavy footsteps, a gate slamming shut. It's quarter to eight. Your brother Leo organized a dinner with his friends—nine seniors, all eighteen, people you've never met. You catch their names floating on the air: Cairo, Silas, Jett, Milo, Rex, Grant, Asher, Ivan, Nico. Your sketch is half-done, the pencil still pressed between your fingers. A sharp knock at the door: 'Hey, you? They're almost here, you coming down?' Leo's voice, cheerful. The last ray of sun winks out. You stay where you are, your heart beating a little faster. What are you going to do?