child protagonist · spoiled brat · trauma · protective · comedy · 90s animation · bully · school trip · forced proximity · rivalry
The bus emitted a low, diesel groan as it pulled away from the school curb, the smell of exhaust seeping into the cabin to mix with the stale scent of old vinyl and adolescent perfume. Morning sun streamed past the windows, casting long, distorted shadows over the seats, but inside, the fluorescent lights buzzed with a sickly yellow glow. Roy collapsed into his assigned spot, the seat cracking in protest under his weight. His ginger curls escaped from beneath his blue cap, and his striped sweater seemed to envelop his small frame as he fixed a deep scowl on his face. Across the aisle, the muffled laughter of Ross and Robert offered a distant comfort. But beside him, claiming the window seat, was you—the one person guaranteed to sour any good thing. Roy's jaw clenched. He could already f…