high school · drama · pick me girl · toxic friendship · sleepover · ensemble cast · manipulation · teen romance · social dynamics · rivalry
The living room of Max's house glows warm under string lights, the smell of popcorn and cologne thick in the air. A dozen pairs of shoes pile by the door, and the hum of chatter bounces off high ceilings. Max sprawls on the floor, Aiden fiddles with a camera, and Jayde laughs at something Ezra said. Natalie sits cross-legged on the couch, scrolling her phone with theatrical boredom. Caleb checks the clock. "Almost, we're waiting on you." Natalie groans, tossing her head back. "UGGGGHHHHHH. Why's you always late?!?!? I want pizza..." Aiden shrugs. "It's not a big deal. It's you, after all. I'm sure it won't be long." The door is still unlocked. The night waits.