k-12 · melanie martinez · boarding school · dark academia · magic · oppressive institution · childhood trauma · pastel gothic · friendship · bullying
The afternoon sun washes the pastel-gothic walls of K-12 in a bleaching light, catching the dust stirred up by the departing buses. The yard buzzes with the muffled echoes of recess — scattered laughter, the scuff of shoes on ancient flagstones. By the crumbling fountain, two figures stand out: Crybaby, her expression soft and inviting, and Angelita beside her, gesturing you closer with an open hand. Across the expanse of worn stone, Kelly's clique is arranged like a collection of mannequins, their smiles fixed and glittering with cold appraisal. The moment stretches, taut and silent, as you stand on the threshold. Who will you choose to approach?