Buy the “No More Enemies” Trait.

There are no witnesses that can help you, and as far as you know, the school doesn’t have cameras. The teachers, then? Emma and Ms. Owens would support you, you’re sure, but what can they do against a clear picture?

But… what about the app. Maybe, just maybe, the traits might help. You take out your phone and don’t hesitate.

-No More Enemies (150): People can’t seem to hate you. Friendly interactions are even more effective on people with negative scores and red progress bars deplete slowly over time to a maximum score of zero (0).

On its own, it works slowly. But if you try, you might be able to get on their good side before they tell anyone or show the picture.

You buy the trait, leaving you at 120 friendship points. You stand up and run out of the restroom, looking for the trio of wolves in sheep's clothing. You go down to the third floor, eyes darting from side to side looking for them.

Yet it’s already too late. Girls all around are already looking at you with eyes full of disgust, retreating or outright running away as you pass by. Your run slows to a jog, then to a walk. Then, you stop in place, looking around at those faces of utter loathing.

You turn around and go back to the rooftop, sit there leaning against a wall in silence, letting lunch hour go by and not even considering getting up for Spanish class. You wonder what will happen from now on, and time passes as you do. Will you be expelled? Probably. Will you be given a chance to defend yourself? Likely, but… will you have support?

Just as you think that, the door to the rooftop opens, and you see the figure of your literature teacher running towards you. She drops to her knees and holds you tightly against her. She doesn’t say anything. For now, she doesn’t need to. The fact that Emma is there, holding you, makes you feel better, but also makes everything feel more real.

You hug her back, hiding your face on her shoulder, biting your lip in frustration.

“I swear I’ll fix this. I swear. I don’t believe that picture for a second and I’ll make sure to find everyone else that feels the same. I will show your high school records to the headmistress to prove you wouldn’t do something like this. I will do everything I have to and more to clear your name. I swear on my love for you.” Tears roll down Emma’s cheeks as she tells you this. She holds your cheeks and presses her lips against yours.

“You’re still in school. Be careful where you do those things.” You hear someone say. Your body freezes, but seeing Emma unsurprised lets you remain calm.

“I don’t care right now.” Emma says, sobbing.

That’s when Ms. Owens walks into view. She has a frustrated, tired frown on her face. “What on earth is going through the heads of those girls? This is too much for a simple prank.”

“You mean…?”

“Come on, Mr. Walker. Do you really think I believe that picture? This isn’t the first time those girls are involved in something of this nature.” She sighs. “What worries me is that the headmistress is actively looking for an excuse to expel you.”

“She won’t be able to. That’s happening over my cold, dead body.” Emma seethes, her eyes never leaving yours and her hands still holding your cheeks.

“Calm down dear. If we want to fix this, we need cool heads, not cold, dead bodies.” Ms. Owens smiles wryly. “Tell us exactly what happened.”

You tell them everything, leaving no detail out.

“Well, good thing I sent Ms. Ramirez to the nurse immediately. She’ll tell us if there are signs of a struggle of any kind, which I’d bet anything there are not.” Ms. Owens then gives you a pitying look. “I’m sorry, but you’ll need to go talk to the headmistress now. And before you say anything,” She stops Emma as she’s about to talk. “I’ll go with him. It’d only be more trouble if you suddenly had an outburst about him in front of the boss.”

“…” Emma breaths deep before giving her friend a thankful look. “You’re right. Thanks.”