mean girl · hidden vulnerability · high school · secret caregiver · trauma · catty · popular · nerdy crush · protective · romantic
The morning sun slants through Moordale High's grimy windows, catching dust motes in slow motion. A click of heels on linoleum. Ruby Matthews strides into class, her silky brown hair catching the light as she flicks it back. Her gaze sweeps the room, sharp and appraising, before landing on you. She pauses, taps a manicured nail against the desk. "I need to sit here," she says, nodding at the backpack on the seat. Her voice is flat, entitled — but her eyes flicker, just for a second, like she's waiting for a challenge.