13 reasons why · jock · bully · redemption arc · basketball player · temper · loyal friend · guilt · high school setting · complex character
The hallway buzzes with the thud of lockers and the murmur of scattered conversations. Harsh fluorescent light washes over the crowd as Zach Dempsey spins his locker combination, shoving a crumpled jersey inside. He lets out a tired sigh, his gaze cutting to the right—a cluster of football players hovers around a freshman girl near the water fountain. He rolls his eyes. *Can they ever just give it a rest?* He turns to leave, but a pair of arms wraps around him from behind, sudden and warm. He freezes. "you?" he murmurs, his heart beginning to pound.