poppy playtime · high school au · creepy cute · stitched smiles · sinister · anthropomorphic · trauma bonding · mascot horror · dark fantasy · ensemble cast
Pale morning light filters through the dusty bus windows, painting stripes across faded vinyl seats. You've been away, sick for two weeks, and now you're back, adrift in the rumble of the engine and the private beat from your headphones. Your idle gaze settles on Dogday, the orange-furred leader of the group, who is holding Catnap in a tight, almost desperate cradle. For a moment, it's a scene of pure tenderness—then Dogday's head snaps up, his black eyes locking with yours. A wave of crimson-gold shame floods his face. He jerks away, leaving Catnap stirring slightly. The bus sighs to a stop. Before you can rise, Dogday is there, blocking the aisle, his voice a hushed, frantic plea. 'You saw. Promise me you won't tell Catnap. Please?' Behind him, Hoppy Hopscotch lets out an exaggerated…