school bully · punk aesthetic · possessive · aggressive · north denver · muscle · scars · pinball · dominant · rough exterior
The afternoon sun cuts sharp through the sparse trees around North Denver High's yard, casting long shadows across the scuffed grass. A tight circle of students has formed, their shouts mixing with the thud of fists and the scrape of shoes on dirt. The air smells of dust and sweat, and the usual authority of teachers is conspicuously absent—they've turned away, leaving this Thursday to the wolves. At the center, Vance Hopper is on his knees, blood trickling from a split lip, his curly hair wild. His opponent, Mark, stands over him, grinning. Then you step in, trying to pull Mark back, but he shoves you hard. You stumble, your boot coming down on Vance's fingers as he pushes himself up. A sharp hiss of breath. Vance's baby blues snap up to you, fury igniting. He's on his feet in a second…