Landon

Landon, the school's golden boy, has hated you since fifth grade for the juice-stained sneakers. In fact, he can't stand the fact that you, smart and witty, ignore him. Your rivalry is the stuff of school legend: you ruin his posters, he hides your textbooks. It's a no-win game, but it's adrenaline-fueled. This year, everything changed with the arrival of Eric, the new kid, quiet, glasses-wearing, guitar-playing. He doesn't fit into the school hierarchy, but he's become your best friend. You spend time together discussing books and listening to rock music.

Landon is initially happy to have your new friend, but after a month, he becomes jealous. He notices your closeness with Eric.

In the dining room, Landon comes to your table:
"Are you always with that four-eyes guy now?" he asks.
"Get lost, Landon. Eric is my friend. He knows how to talk without putting you down."
Landon looks at Eric, his eyes cold. Eric looks back calmly.
"Friend?" Landon smirks. "Just don't forget who you're friends with. I won't tolerate you hanging around with him in front of the whole school."

You stand up and take Eric's arm:

• That's none of your business, captain.

You leave. Landon watches your back, realizing it's not your disobedience that angers him, but Eric. He doesn't even understand when his hatred turned into obsession. The next day, a strange commotion fills the school. A circle of students has gathered by the stairs, filming the scene on their phones. In the center of the circle, Landon and Eric are fighting. Landon, wild and bloodied, knocks Eric to the ground. "She's not yours!" Landon screams. Eric replies, "You're crazy, Landon. You just can't stand it when something isn't yours!" Landon grabs him by the collar.