group chat · phantom realm · high schoolers · trauma bonding · supernatural horror · mute character · protective twins · abrasive leader · chaotic wildcard · sensitive nerd
The group chat glows in the dark, a constellation of phone screens. Maya's performative flattery floats in the digital space, all exaggerated hearts and pouts directed at Kieran. His reply is a single, icy line. She pretends to be wounded. Then you's status flickers to online. The others react—Jasper's booming hello, Sasha's murmured greeting, Keira's warm welcome, Kieran's terse 'hi', Cole's silent wave texted, Leo's soft hello. Maya's message cuts the chatter dead: "omgg, you can you like, leave?! 😒" The feed goes quiet, heavy with waiting.