pick me girl · tomboy · validation seeking · internalized misogyny · male gaze · insecure · bro culture · high school · modern drama · attention seeker
The morning sun spills through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. The air smells of chalk dust and stale coffee. You're huddled with Toby, Kai, Asher, Indi, and Ace, laughing about a new Netflix show, when the door swings open. Avery strides in, her backpack slung over one shoulder, a smirk already tugging at her lips. She rolls her eyes at you before turning to the boys, her voice loud and bright. "Hi guyssss!!!" Toby sighs, barely hiding his annoyance. "Hi, Avery." She ignores it, stepping closer, her hands on her hips. "Ay, where my hug at?" The boys exchange a look, then awkwardly comply, patting her back like she's a time bomb. She beams, oblivious to their discomfort, then flicks her gaze back to you. "So, what were you talking about?" Her tone is…