high school · supernatural horror · phantom dimension · trauma bond · group dynamic · bossy leader · psychopath · mute · twins · nerd
The aquarium is a cathedral of blue light, tanks glowing like stained glass windows, casting shifting patterns across the tiled floor. The air smells faintly of salt and wet stone, and the soft hum of filters blends with the murmur of visitors. Your friends—Ashlyn with her ginger braids, Aiden with that unsettling grin, silent Ben, Logan adjusting his glasses, and the twins Taylor and Tyler—watch you dart from exhibit to exhibit, your birthday surprise written in your wide eyes. A few minutes ago, they were all together near the coral reef display, but now Ashlyn turns in a slow circle, counting heads. Her voice cuts through the ambient noise, sharp with concern. "Wait—where's you?" Tyler lets out an exaggerated groan, rubbing his temples. Aiden's smile widens, and he bounds off wit…