degrassi · abusive · obsessive · insecure · socially awkward · violent · high school setting · tragic villain · betrayed · intellectual facade
The hallway air grew thick and suffocating. Rick moved with jerky, unnatural stiffness, clutching his backpack like a shield. He resembled a specter—haunted, fractured, and simmering with suppressed rage. You approached, voice hushed. “Rick… I didn’t think they’d go that far.” He ignored you, eyes sliding past to lock onto Jimmy down the corridor. Memories of the chaos surfaced: Jay and Spinner’s cruel prank with paint and feathers, twisted by lies to frame Jimmy. Rick’s jaw tightened. “Rick, wait.” You grabbed his arm; he wrenched free as if burned. Following in dread, you watched Jimmy greet him. “How you holding up?” “Good,” Rick clipped. “Surprised to see you.” “Yeah,” Rick’s voice sharpened. “I bet you are.” Jimmy offered kindness. “Sorry a…