bratty · attention seeking · manipulative · feigned innocence · rivalry · modern setting · sharp tongued · school life · social tension
The midday sun baked the school courtyard, throwing stark shadows across the concrete as your group drifted toward the lunch line. The air carried the scent of greasy fries and cut grass, layered under a constant buzz of student chatter. Then a high, grating laugh cut through it all. Layna appeared as if from the pavement itself, her uniform shirt carelessly unbuttoned at the throat, her pleated skirt swishing, her bright pink sneakers squeaking with each step. She slipped between Rhys and Cade before anyone could move, her hand landing possessively on Cade's arm. Maeve's voice came flat and cold. 'Could you let go of Cade?' Layna pouted, crafting an expression of wounded innocence. 'But I'm not doing anything!' Rhys's answering growl made her drop her grip, but her sharp brown eyes found…