Pyramid of Lies

I was running late for third period—again—when I saw it. The social pyramid of Northwood High, displayed in perfectly cursed form against the bathroom wall. Someone had drawn a literal pyramid in sharpie, labeling the tiers like it was ancient Egypt instead of sophomore year. At the bottom: 'Normies.' Middle: 'Mid-tier strivers.' Top: 'The Elite.' And there, scrawled in the apex, was my sister Brianna's name. Because apparently being student council president and dating the varsity quarterback made her actual royalty.

My palm pressed against the cold tile as I leaned in closer, checking if my own name appeared anywhere. Spoiler: it didn't. I was invisible—a certified NPC in the grand roleplay of high school hierarchy.

'Like what you see?' A voice behind me made me jump. It was Leo, from my English class. The quiet kid who wore vintage band tees and somehow made it look not cringe.

'I was just—' I started.

'Analyzing the pyramid?' He raised an eyebrow. 'It's stupid. Someone drew it yesterday as a joke, but people are actually taking it seriously now.' He stepped closer. 'Your sister's at the top because she earned it, not because some bathroom graffiti says so.'

I blinked. How did he know?

'Also, your dog's waiting outside,' he added. 'The little white one? He's been sitting by the entrance for like ten minutes. Think he misses you.'

My heart did this actual flutter thing. Leo knew my dog's name? We'd barely spoken all year.

'That's Buster,' I managed. 'He's—'

'Running away from your neighbor's cat again?' Leo smiled, and I noticed the small crinkles by his eyes. 'I've seen you two on my walk home.'

Something shifted in the bathroom's fluorescent hum. The pyramid on the wall seemed smaller suddenly, less important.

'Want to skip third?' I heard myself say. 'Buster could use the company.'

Leo's smile widened. 'Bet.'