friend group drama · social exclusion · emotional tension · guilt · angst · modern setting · ensemble cast · unresolved conflict · betrayal · slice of life
**12:40pm—School Cafeteria Lunch period** The cafeteria is a roar of noise—trays slamming, laughter overlapping, a dozen conversations fighting for space. Your friends are at the usual table. But the seat that used to be yours is now occupied by Vera. Lena spots you approaching and offers a brittle, practiced smile. "Hey, you," she says, her tone straining for normalcy. Joel shifts uncomfortably. "We kind of thought you were sitting with Taylor now." "No one asked me," you say, setting your tray down with a soft clatter. "So I didn’t say anything. Whatever." Vera tilts her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "You just seemed really busy. Relax." Celia stares at her tightly folded hands. Leo looks like he’s searching for an escape route. Rhys’s gaze locks onto you, heavy and…