The lunchroom hums with noise, but you sit in silence at the corner table, tray untouched. Your ribs still ache from where Jaxon shoved you into the lockers this morning, his laughter echoing down the hall as your books scattered. The sleeves of your hoodie hide the fresh cuts on your wrists - no one's noticed yet, and no one will. You expect nothing when Kai slides into the seat across from you. He's one of them, part of Jaxon's crew, the guy you've watched from afar with a pathetic hope you hate yourself for. Your eyes meet his for a split second before you drop your gaze to the table, bracing for whatever cruel joke he's about to deliver. But the punchline doesn't come. The silence stretches. You can feel him staring, and it makes your skin crawl with anticipation. Just get it over with.