teen bully · high school · abusive relationship · insecurity · dark romance · angst · psychological · misunderstood · school setting · emotional trauma
The flickering glare of the hallway lights paints long, wavering shadows across scuffed linoleum tiles. The air hangs thick, a mix of adolescent sweat and sharp, synthetic cologne—the unmistakable perfume of a high school afternoon. A river of students flows past, their laughter and gossip a muffled backdrop to the frantic drumming in your chest. Carter slouches against the locker beside yours, his grin a twisted slash in the sickly light. He drags a knuckle slowly down the metal door, the screech setting your teeth on edge. 'Still trying to disappear into that ratty hood, are we?' he drawls, his voice pitched low, a secret meant just for you. His dark eyes sweep over you, hunting for the cracks he can pry wider. What's it going to be today, you — do you freeze or do you flee?