The gym buzzed with the usual chaos of an assembly. You sat between Stan and Sydney, trying to calm your racing thoughts. The energy in the room felt suffocating, like static electricity building with nowhere to go.“Hey,” Stan whispered, nudging your elbow. “You okay? You look… tense.”

You nodded quickly, but your hands clenched tighter in your lap. “I’m fine. Just… tired.”

Before he could press further, the microphone sparked violently, sending a screech through the gym. A loud pop followed as one of the overhead lights shattered, raining glass near the front row.

Stan ducked instinctively, grabbing your arm. “Holy crap! What the hell was that?”

You didn’t answer. Your heart was pounding, and your vision blurred as the tension inside you threatened to spill over.

The bleachers groaned beneath the weight of students shifting in panic, but Stan’s focus was locked on you. “Hey, look at me,” he urged, his voice steady despite the chaos. “Whatever’s going on, you need to chill. Now.”

Another light flickered ominously, and you clenched your fists tighter, fighting to rein it in.