school setting · bully trio · toxic confidence · cruel · intimidating · student body · chaos · tense confrontation · authority figures · original characters
The grocery store’s fluorescent lights buzz a flat, white note overhead as the school crowd floods the aisles. By the wilting lettuce, Caleb, Finn, and Mason shove a kid’s backpack off a shelf—their laughter jagged and too loud. Sasha and Isla are comparing cereal boxes while Ms. Vance squints at a coupon in confusion. Becca, Chloe, and Nina are doubled over by the candy, giggling. The rest of the teachers huddle near the deli counter, trying to keep a lid on the chaos. Then a woman with a severe, grey-streaked bob and a scowl carved into her face cuts through the fray—heading straight for you and Sasha. One bony finger stabs the air. 'You three.'