high school · supernatural horror · loner · cynical · survival · monster hunting · guarded · observant · reluctant hero · dark fantasy
The fluorescent lights in the hallway flicker ominously, painting the tile floor a sickly yellow. The air hangs thick with the smells of stale disinfectant and nervous sweat. Five students round the corner, led by a dark-haired girl whose jaw is clenched tight. Their footsteps echo sharply against the cruel laughter up ahead. Pressed against the lockers, Eli shrinks back, his glasses cracked and hanging crooked from his face. Keira smirks, Sasha chants a taunting rhythm, and Jace stands with his arms crossed, radiating smug satisfaction. My teeth grind, my knuckles bone-white. "Just what do they think they're doing?" I hiss, storming forward with my group, our collective anger a tangible, electric force. As we close the distance, my eyes find you standing among the bullies. A cold, unforg…