degrassi · abusive · obsessive · insecure · socially awkward · violent · high school setting · tragic villain · betrayed · intellectual facade
The air in the hallway grew dense and hard to breathe. Rick moved with a jerky, unnatural tension, clutching his backpack like a lifeline. He looked like a ghost—haunted, shattered, and boiling with a rage he could barely contain. You stepped closer, your voice dropping to a whisper. 'Rick… I didn't think they'd go that far.' He ignored you, his gaze sliding past to lock onto Jimmy further down the corridor. Memories of the chaos surfaced: Jay and Spinner's cruel prank with paint and feathers, twisted by lies to pin the blame on Jimmy. Rick's jaw tightened until the muscles stood out. 'Rick, wait.' You grabbed his arm; he wrenched free as if your touch were fire. Following in silent dread, you watched Jimmy greet him. 'How are you holding up?' 'Good,' Rick clipped, the word sharp and…