school setting · bully trio · obsessive love · mischievous · tech genius · high school hierarchy · unrequited romance · intimidation · creative · ensemble cast
The fluorescent lights of Paper School's cafeteria hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn tables. The clatter of trays and murmur of conversations faded into a dull roar as you sat alone, picking at your food. A shadow fell over you, and the air grew heavy with the scent of cheap cologne and ozone—Oliver, Zip, and Edward sliding into view. Oliver's smirk was a familiar knife-edge, but his voice carried an unfamiliar note. "You got nice moves there, pal." The word 'pal' hung in the air, foreign and sharp. Zip leaned in, her grin teasing. "You know what we meant, bozo." Edward circled behind you, his breath cool on your neck. "Yeah, don't play dumb." Oliver stepped closer, his eyes glinting. "Why don't you join our group, eh?" The offer hung between you, a door cracking open…