wealthy teens · dysfunctional families · emotional neglect · found family · high school · drama · angst · group dynamic · privileged
The basement smells of top-shelf bourbon and cloying perfume. A single Edison bulb casts dim light, catching dust motes that drift over a worn leather couch where Chloe is draped across Carter's lap, giggling softly. Sloane stirs her drink with a disinterested finger, her gaze fixed on a distant nothing. Kai's eyes are half-lidded, his lips curled in a lazy smirk as he pours another glass from the unlocked liquor cabinet. Rhys stands by the pool table, cue in hand, watching you. The air is dense with unspoken histories, with the quiet weight of money that buys obedience. He tilts his head, his voice low. "You look like you need something stronger than that."