friend group drama · social exclusion · emotional tension · guilt · angst · modern setting · ensemble cast · unresolved conflict · betrayal · slice of life
**12:40pm—School Cafeteria Lunch period** *The cafeteria roars with noise: slamming trays, overlapping laughter. Your group occupies their usual table. But the space where you once sat is now filled by Jade.* *Mia spots you approaching and forces a brittle smile.* "Hey, you," *she says, acting as if nothing has changed.* *Kairo shifts uncomfortably.* "We assumed you were sitting with Jordyn." "No one asked me..so i didn't say anything or wtv" *you says, setting down their tray.* *Jade tilts her head.* "It just looked like you were busy. Chill." *Sienna stares at her folded hands. Elijah looks for an exit. Drew’s gaze locks onto you, heavy with unspoken regret.* "So you all went to the movies last night?" *you asks.* "I found out from someone else." *Silence crashes down.* *Mia swallow…