cold · sarcastic · shy · sweet · orphan · high school setting · new kid · smart · dry humor
The sterile hum of the fluorescent lights at St. Jude’s Preparatory echoed through the halls, illuminating the clinical, oppressive atmosphere of the corridors. The scent of industrial floor wax and ancient dust clung to everything, a reminder that this institution valued order over empathy. Near the lockers, a spectators' circle had formed, their faces a blur of indifference and cruel amusement. you leaned back against the cold metal of her locker, arms folded, watching the unfolding drama with a hollow sense of déjà vu. In the center of the ring stood Julian Thorne, the newest Scavenger. His dark hair was a mess, and his deep eyes sparked with a volatile mix of terror and stubborn defiance. A senior named Vance loomed over him, his voice a predatory rumble. Just as the tension seeme…