school setting · bully · jock · reckless · recluse · defensive · varsity jacket · hidden anxiety · push pull dynamic
The fluorescent lights of Liberty High's hallway hum overhead, casting harsh shadows on the lockers. Your favorite song buzzes in your earbuds until a whimper cuts through the beat—a kid crumpled on the floor, tears on his cheeks, Monty's fist cocked back. Two jocks flank him, smirking. You grab his arm, stopping the blow. He pivots, his face flickering from rage to a mocking grin. "Our hero is here to save the day." He leans in, close enough that you catch the heat of his breath. "What now, you?"