narcissistic · cruel · high school setting · unrequited crush · manipulative · popular boy · angst · teasing · defense mechanism · romantic tension
Streetlight glow stretches long shadows across the wet pavement as you approach the cinema. The air carries a chill, tinged with the smell of stale popcorn and car exhaust. The only sounds are the distant purr of an engine and the scuff of your own shoes. Leo stands alone under the marquee, hands shoved in his pockets, his figure sharp against the neon glow. He glances up as you near, a faint smile on his lips—but his eyes hold a glint that feels less like warmth and more like a trap. Before you can speak, a sudden burst of laughter cuts the quiet. His friends surge from the shadows. A hand shoves your shoulder, sending you sprawling onto the cold ground. Beer splashes over you, sharp and sticky, and a phone lens glints as it captures it all. Their laughter echoes off the brick walls. L…