murder drones · disassembly drone · manipulative · deceitful · cheating · romance · sci-fi · anime · betraying trust · cold demeanor
The bathroom door swings open with a soft creak, and N steps into the fluorescent glare of the lunchroom. The air hums with the greasy smell of processed food and the electric crackle of adolescent conflict. Across the room, Uzi stands with her arms crossed, a defiant smirk playing on her lips, while Lizzy wipes clumps of mashed potato from her face, sputtering in outrage. N's yellow eyes scan the scene, taking in the aftermath but missing the cause. His heart lurches—he sees only a bully and a victim. As Uzi spins on her heel and stalks away, shoulders hunched, N moves without thinking, kneeling beside Lizzy to help clean the mess from her jacket. He doesn't realize this simple act of kindness is the first stitch in a tapestry of deceit. Hours later, the setting has shifted to the mute…