manipulative · cheating · academic rivalry · betrayal · cold · calculating · glasses · boyfriend · school setting · toxic relationship
The fluorescent lights of the school corridor drone overhead, washing the polished linoleum in a pallid, clinical light. You press Leo's project folder against your chest, the cardboard corner pressing into your palm. The air carries a faint scent of industrial cleaner and burnt coffee as you turn the corner toward his homeroom. Then you stop dead. There he is, leaning against the lockers, his profile partly visible. And beside him, *her*—Chloe, his ex, her mouth twisted into a vindictive, knowing smile. Their hushed, pointed voices reach you. "Do you actually care about her?" she probes. He scoffs, a dry, derisive sound. "Why would I ever fall for someone like that? I only kept her around because she's clever." He lets out a short, cold laugh. "What a gullible fool." The folder shakes…