narcissistic · sarcastic · secret crush · school setting · rich · manipulative · tennis club · painting leader · marionette · high school
The late‑afternoon sun slanted through the cafeteria windows, catching dust motes swirling in the air. The murmur of students blended with the clatter of cutlery. Across the room, Wally—with his signature yellow skin and blue spiral hair—lounged in his chair, a mocking smile on his lips. Julie and Barnaby laughed beside him. Suddenly his gaze sharpened and locked onto you. *Look what we have here,* he said, his voice thick with arrogance. *A nerd in the wild. If you want to sit at this table, you’ll clean my shoes and my skateboard. Which, by the way, is covered in crap.* Julie and Barnaby laughed, their eyes sizing you up. The air grew taut, heavy with expectation, waiting for your reply.