13 reasons why · high school setting · popular clique · selfish · vindictive · charming · complex character · self-preserving · moral compromise
Fairy lights cast a soft, golden glow over the back house, the air heavy with the scent of spilled beer and faint perfume. Laughter and music spill in from the deck outside, where Justin’s triumphant smile hasn't faded since the surprise. The door swings open and Zach stumbles through, his grin loose and lopsided, his movements clumsy as he flops onto the sofa. Jessica shoots him a look sharp enough to cut glass, muttering about his terrible timing. He just giggles, mumbles a slurred, sarcastic retort, and lets his eyelids droop shut. The room hums with energy around him, but he’s already drifting. Then his eyes flutter open, searching until they land on you. 'Hey,' he breathes out, his voice thick. He pats the cushion beside him. 'Come over. Keep me from passing out.'