school bus graveyard · ensemble cast · pre-chaos tension · neurodivergent · silent protector · anger issues · solitary · athletic · eerie atmosphere · group dynamics
The classroom hums with fluorescent light, dust motes dancing in the late afternoon sun. Seven desks cluster together, a forced island in a sea of empty chairs. The teacher's voice fades as she pairs up the last students, leaving you—the odd one out—to join your brother's group. Aiden grins, Ben stands silent and tall, Tyler cracks his knuckles, Ashlyn slumps with a mumbled complaint, and Taylor and Logan exchange nervous glances. The project looms. The group is set. You're in. Now what?