The Social Pyramid Scheme

Leo stared at his phone screen, willing **cat**fish420 to respond. The girl from seventh period math had actually DM'd him first, which was either the best thing to ever happen or a trap.

"Dude, you're not gonna believe this," Leo said, spinning in his gaming chair to face Marcus, who was sprawled across Leo's bed like he owned the place.

"What? She sent another stolen pic from some random Instagram model?" Marcus didn't even look up from his own phone.

"No! She wants me to come to Jason's party tonight. But here's the thing—I kinda need you as my wingman."

Marcus laughed. "Bro, you know Jason's house is basically the social **pyramid** of our grade. If you show up alone, you're gonna be standing in a corner holding a warm soda while everyone else is living their best lives."

"Exactly! So you gotta come."

"I would," Marcus said, "except my parents are being weird about grades and my mom cut the **cable** so I can't even distract myself properly. I'm basically under house arrest until finals."

Leo slumped. His only real friend was grounded, and he was expected to navigate high school's most dangerous social landscape solo. The last time he'd tried to talk to his crush at a party, he'd knocked over a bowl of chips and someone had called him a **bull** in a china shop. The nickname had stuck for approximately two weeks.

His phone buzzed. A text from his mom: Home by 11. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Leo took a breath. He could do this. Maybe. The worst that could happen was awkward silence and another nickname, right?

"Fine," Marcus said, sitting up. "I'll sneak out. My parents are asleep by 10 anyway. But you owe me."

Leo grinned. Suddenly, the pyramid didn't seem so steep after all.