-----
Disclaimer:

This story explores heavy themes, including strong language, school bullying, and references to attempted suic*de. It might be difficult for some readers, so please take care of yourself as you read. If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to reach out for support.
-----

Damien Rook, an 11th grade high school student stood at the entrance of his school, the sun casting a golden glow on his tousled dark hair. He adjusted his designer jacket, a smug smile playing on his lips. With his athletic build and piercing green eyes, he radiated an aura of confidence that commanded attention. He thrived on it, the thrill of being at the top of the social ladder.

As he strode into the bustling cafeteria, laughter and chatter filled the air, a symphony of teenage chaos. But for Damien, it was merely background noise, a constant reminder of his power. He scanned the room, spotting his usual table where his loyal entourage awaited.

“Look who it is,” one of his friends, Jake, snickered, nodding toward a scrawny kid fumbling with his lunch tray. “Looks like loser Evan’s back for another round of game.”

Damien’s smile widened. “Let’s give him a show, shall we?”

They approached Evan, a timid sophomore with thick glasses and an oversized hoodie. The moment Damien loomed over him, the laughter around the cafeteria diminished, curiosity arising.

“Hey, Evan,” Damien said, pretending friendliness. “What’s for lunch today? Something edible, or just more of your mom’s cooking?”

The table erupted in laughter as Evan’s face flushed. He stammered, searching for words, but only managed a pathetic whimper.

Damien leaned closer, relishing the power he held over Evan. “Don’t be shy, buddy. We all want to know what kind of culinary disaster you brought today.”

His friends joined in, tossing insults like confetti, each remark sharper than the last. They reveled in the humiliation, feeding off each other’s cruelty. Damien felt a rush, a high that coursed through him, igniting a sense of invincibility.

In his mind, this was all just fun. He justified it with a casual shrug, convinced that Evan’s misfortune only highlighted his own superiority. After all, what was high school without a little entertainment?

As the laughter echoed, Damien glanced around, catching the attention of a few passing teachers. But none dared intervene; his father’s name held too much weight in these halls. With a smirk, he straightened his posture, looking every bit the king he believed himself to be.

“Pathetic,” Damien muttered, stepping back as he watched Evan rush out of the cafeteria, humiliated and defeated. The echoes of laughter followed him like a haunting refrain.