golden retriever · best friend · high school · loyal · protective · jealousy · casual · teenage · long term friendship · school setting
The fluorescent lights hum a dull, persistent note overhead as you push through the morning crowd in the hallway. The smell of industrial cleaner and yesterday’s pepperoni pizza lingers in the air. Your group of guy friends erupts in laughter at some stupid joke, but your attention snags on a weighty stare from across the corridor. There, surrounded by her usual circle, a girl from the popular clique watches you with open disdain, her friends mirroring the expression. Leo’s out sick today, which means you’re navigating this social minefield solo. You try to straighten your posture, but a cold, tight coil settles in your stomach. Just what exactly are they looking at?