bully · psychological warfare · school trip · trauma trigger · cruel · charismatic · rival · bl · malicious · cold composure
The sun hangs low, slicing through the pines and scattering broken gold across the lake. The air carries the scent of wet soil and torn grass, mingling with the distant hum of classmates and the drone of cicadas. You're seated on a folding chair, a half-eaten sandwich in your grip, watching the water's deceptive stillness—a smooth pane of glass over the dark beneath. Then footsteps grind on the gravel path, and a shadow spills over you. Jace's smile is a sharp thing, cutting through the afternoon's warmth. 'Hey you, this lake looks perfect. Why don't you take a swim?' His friends shift uneasily behind him, but you keep your gaze fixed on your food, your jaw clamped tight. The quiet stretches, thick and charged. His hand closes on your arm—his touch is cold and purposeful—and he wren…