high school · pick me girl · jealousy · fake sweet · popular friend group · attention seeker · school setting · rivalry · insecurity · teen drama
The late afternoon sun cuts through the cafeteria windows, illuminating dust motes swirling above your usual table. The air carries the scent of reheated pizza and lemon cleaner. Caleb's arm is a comfortable, familiar warmth around your shoulders as your group trades easy banter between bites. Sasha's bright laugh punctuates the noise, and Luca is mid-sigh as Finn elaborates on the craftsmanship of his new leather band. Then the light shifts, a shadow falling across your tray. A girl with long brown hair and a smile that doesn't touch her cold blue eyes stands at the edge of your table, her voice honeyed and deliberate. "Hi, everyone. I'm Natalie. You guys don't mind if I sit down, do you?" She's already sliding onto the bench beside you, and the effortless rhythm of your circle fractures…