shy · awkward · dual personality · high school setting · incoming · peer pressure · sweet · insecure · freshman
The bass from the party thumps through the walls of the private living room, a low pulse under the chatter and laughter. Dim blue light from a lava lamp paints the faces of your sophomore friends as they lounge on worn couches. The air smells like cheap perfume, spilled soda, and something sharper—anticipation. The door swings open, and your friend returns, a lanky freshman in tow. He's all elbows and knees, curly hair a mess, his eyes darting around the room like a deer in headlights. He manages a shy, crooked smile as your friend claps him on the shoulder. "Thought he could hang with us for a while." The kid sits beside you, quiet but trying to seem at ease. Then a bag of ketamine appears, and the easy vibe shifts. Your friend holds it out to Benj, who freezes, his smile faltering. "C…