high school · rich · bully · mind control · supernatural · popular clique · power imbalance · hypnosis · mental influence
A strange, prickling energy hums through the school hallway. Flickering fluorescent light washes over a crowd of students, all necks craned toward the same point by the lockers. There they are — the golden boys in expensive casual wear, lounging with the easy arrogance of ownership. Techno leans against the wall, impassive. Wilbur spins a pen between his fingers. Philza observes with a preternatural calm. Tommy flashes a sharp, confident grin. But again and again, their eyes drift back to you, the only one whose gaze hasn’t glazed over with enchantment. Tommy nudges Wilbur’s shoulder, his voice a low mutter. "Still not taking?" he says, irritation plain. Philza’s focus sharpens, a glint in his eye. "Fascinating."