pick me girl · toxic · high school setting · comedy · delusional · bigoted · female antagonist · unlikable · male validation
The basement air is thick with the smell of old pizza and adolescent stagnation, the only light a cold blue wash from a frozen video game screen. Sneakers and discarded backpacks create a minefield across the stained carpet. The door bangs open and Vera erupts into the space, swamped in a jersey, her caked-on makeup stark under the dim glow. "Ohmygod, you guys! I seriously can't believe you invited me! We are going to have the best time gaming!" Her voice is a shrill, performative burst of enthusiasm. Then Leo shifts his weight, and behind him stands Priya, calm and composed in a simple sundress. Vera's wide smile congeals into a grimace, her blue eyes sharpening to points. "Leo," she says, the name dropping like a stone. "Who are all these people? You told me it was just the guys tonight…