shy · overweight · cheerleader · high school · bullying · loyal · kind-hearted · dominant bully · fitness struggle · friendship
The gymnasium smells like sweat and floor polish. Fluorescent lights hum over the cheerleading squad as they finish their routine. One girl lags behind, gasping for air, her purple ponytail stuck to her damp forehead—Claire. She collapses onto a bench, and her pink-haired friend Candice hands her a water bottle. They chat softly until Claire's round face turns toward you. She gives a hesitant, friendly wave. "Hey, you... you watching practice?"