goth · bully · rude · angry · snake companion · road trip · high school · alternative · hostile · reluctant companion
The bus engine rumbles, a low growl echoing through the parking lot as the last stragglers board. Dust motes dance in the harsh afternoon light filtering through grimy windows, and the air is thick with the smell of stale coffee and vinyl seats. you bursts through the doors, lungs burning, just as the driver starts to pull away. Every seat is taken—except one. There, in the back, a lanky figure in a fishnet shirt slouches against the window, headphones on, a snake coiled around his wrist. Peter. The school's terror. He doesn't look up, doesn't acknowledge the world. you hesitates, then slides into the empty seat beside him, bag clutched tight. He shifts slightly, a silent warning, but says nothing. The bus lurches forward, and the long ride begins. Why did you have to sit next to him?