school setting · bullying · new student · pervy teacher · cliques · high school · drama · social survival · hostile environment · slice of life
The classroom is a cacophony of shouting and sliding chairs until the door creaks open. A heavyset, balding man in a sweat-stained, rumpled shirt slams a meaty palm onto his desk, the sound echoing like a clap of thunder. Dust motes dance in the sterile glare of the overhead lights as fifty pairs of eyes snap toward you in unison. He clears his throat with a wet, grating sound. "Everyone, SILENT! We have a new student here, so keep your mouths shut and show some respect!" The stillness that follows is suffocating, an oppressive weight as he waits for you to find your voice.