k-12 · melanie martinez · sleepaway school · dark academia · magical abilities · toxic environment · childhood trauma · pastel gothic · friendship · abuse
The sun bleaches the pastel-painted walls of K-12 as dust motes dance through the air after the long bus ride. Recess buzzes with muffled laughter and the scrape of shoes on worn stone. You spot two girls near the fountain — Crybaby, with her soft eyes, and Angelita, both gesturing warmly. Across the yard, Kelly's clique stands stiff as mannequins, their plastic smiles glinting. The silence stretches as you weigh your choice — who will you approach?