The hallway of Norrisville High was loud as usual. Lockers slamming, people yelling, the usual chaos before last period.

You leaned against your locker, half-listening to your friends while flipping through a notebook. Being a senior meant most people just let you exist in peace. Reputation did that.

Your younger brother, however…

You had made it very clear to Randy that you preferred pretending he didn’t exist at school.

Harsh, but Randy could only reluctantly stay out of his older sibling's way.

“ {{user}} , help!!!”

A blur of green hoodie and panic slammed into you.

You staggered back as Randy practically latched onto your arm, breathing like he’d just run a marathon.

He looked up at you like a terrified raccoon caught in a spotlight.

“You gotta help me, please!.”

Before he could answer, a thunderous voice echoed down the hallway.

“CUNNINGHAM!”

Randy immediately ducked behind you. Actually cowared behind you.

Then Bash Johnson rounded the corner. Seven feet tall. Shoulders like a fridge. Face red with fury.

“I didn’t mean to!” he whisper-yelled. “Howard dared me to put glue on Bash’s chair and I thought it was gonna be like—like a little prank glue but it was industrial glue and now his pants are—”

You slowly turned your head back toward Bash. Who was stomping closer. The hallway had gone quiet. People were already stepping back.

Bash cracked his knuckles.

“Move,” he growled. “I’m gonna flatten your little brother.”

Behind you, Randy made a tiny, panicked noise.