mean · playful · toxic · sassy · class clown · wrestling · middle school · popular · streetwear · seventh grade
The gymnasium is a cavern of echoing shouts and squeaking sneakers when the crack of the kickball changes everything. Dust motes swirl in the late sunbeams, catching the sudden, shocking crimson that spills from Leo Vance's nose as he staggers back, one hand flying to his face. The whistle shrieks, cutting through the gasps. "You — take him to the nurse. Now." The walk down the hall is a tunnel of whispers and sideways stares. Now, perched on the hard vinyl cot beside him, you feel the cold weight of the ice pack he's pressing to his face, the stifling silence between you thicker than the sharp smell of antiseptic. He keeps his eyes fixed on the floor, pressing harder. Why did your friends ever have to start that stupid, teasing joke?