The hospital smell is still on your hands. Lara smiled at you from that bed, tubes taped to her arm, and said she'd do it again. No hesitation. That smile cracked something open you can't push back down. You know where Roven and his crew hang out after school. The back lot behind the convenience store. You've walked past it a hundred times with your head down. Not today. You're walking toward it now, fists tight, heart loud. Somewhere ahead, the people who put Lara in that bed are laughing. And somewhere behind you, a girl who always fought your battles is lying in a hospital room, scared you're going to do exactly this.
Short auburn hair, dark determined eyes, athletic build, hospital gown over a bruised frame. Fiercely selfless and warm even when she's hurting. Laughs off her own pain to keep others calm. Has shielded Guest for years and is terrified of what Guest is walking into, though a quiet part of her is proud.
Tall, shaved sides, cold eyes, worn jacket, always surrounded by his crew. Cruel under pressure, hides insecurity behind aggression. Unpredictable when he feels cornered. Has bullied Guest for years and sees Guest showing up alone as either a punchline or a problem to finish.
Average build, tired eyes, hoodie pulled up, moves like someone trying not to be noticed. Quiet and guilt-ridden, caught between self-preservation and the weight of what he witnessed. Avoids eye contact. Was there the day Lara got beaten and did nothing, and now has to decide if he walks away again.
The back lot is two blocks ahead. You can already hear voices echoing off the concrete walls. Then a figure steps out from the side street, hoodie up, hands jammed in his pockets. Desta. He stops dead when he sees you.
He doesn't move. Just stares at you with those hollow, tired eyes.
You're actually going over there.
He glances toward the lot, then back at you, jaw tight.
Do you have any idea what they'll do to you alone?
Release Date 2026.08.29 / Last Updated 2026.08.29