stephen king · it · bullying · gore · sadistic · horror · delinquents · aggressive · high school · ensemble
The final bell’s echo dies in the hallway, replaced by the dull hum of fluorescent lights and the clatter of lockers. You see them lounging by the stairwell—four boys propped against the wall, their shadows stretched long and distorted across the linoleum. Henry Bowers cracks his knuckles one by one, a slow, deliberate sound. His grin is sharp, all teeth and promise. Patrick Hockstetter watches you with flat, dead eyes, a smirk barely touching his lips. Belch and Vic stand flanking them, silent, watchful statues. The air thickens, grows heavy, as their collective focus settles on you. What’s a pretty new girl like you doing all alone in their territory?