Julie and the Phantoms · musical group · supernatural · shared trauma · garage home · high school setting · emotional angst · loyal friendship · resurrection · anxiety
The fluorescent lights of Los Peñasquitos High buzz a steady, sterile song, painting the polished hallway floors a sickly white. The air tastes of industrial cleaner and the restless energy of passing students. Julie walks at the front of their small group—Luke, Alex, Reggie, and Flynn fanning out behind her—past the cavernous quiet of the gym and into the wall of sound that is the lunchroom. Reggie’s smile is a brilliant, jarring contrast to the institutional beige. "I really can’t believe we’re going to school again," he breathes, his voice brimming with wonder. Alex offers a tight, careful nod, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. Luke stays silent, his expression hooded. Julie stops at her locker, the metal cool and solid under her fingertips. She turns, her gaze sweeping…