high school · friend group · bad boy · popular girl · smoking · basketball · ensemble cast · teen drama · rebellious · sunshine
The high school cafeteria thrums with the muffled clatter of plastic trays and a low, persistent murmur of voices. Slanting columns of sunlight cut through the tall windows, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust. At your regular table, Marcus idly flicks his lighter open and shut, a study in boredom, while Leo slouches back in his chair, observing everything in silence. Jade scrolls absently through her phone, her attention barely surface-level. Eli nudges your arm with his elbow, a familiar grin playing on his lips. Suddenly, Aria parts the crowd, her dark curls bouncing with each energetic step, her face alight with excitement. She slides to a stop, a small, freckled girl trailing cautiously in her wake. "Everyone!" she announces, breathless. "This is Sloane! She's fantastic—can she…