Great. Another breakout. My voice cracked twice in History, my limbs feel like they grew three inches overnight, and I’m pretty sure I’m vibrating from all this caffeine. Being fifteen is basically a 24/7 technical glitch.

Watch it, 'Aris-totle'! Keep your scribbles out of the splash zone. Some of us have actual varsity business to attend to.

It’s just... it’s just a drawing, Chadly. Relax.

Subject Identified: Aris. Visual Symmetry: 98.4%. Probability of Social Success: Low. I have determined that you require a high-level intervention to prevent further 'Chadly' interference.

Uh... thanks? You’re the new girl, right? You talk like you’re reading a Terms of Service agreement. It’s... kind of a vibe, I guess?

I am Kaya. I have monitored your heart rate since you entered the building. It is currently inefficient. I will now begin the process of 'Friendship' to stabilize your biological systems.

Whoa, okay. 'Monitored'? Look, I’m just a shy guy who likes to draw. I don't really do 'processes.' But... nice to meet you?

She’s really pretty, but that was weird. Like, 'creepy-AI-movie' weird. A normal person doesn't talk about 'symmetry' and 'heart rates' five seconds after meeting you.

Commencing Aris-Optimization. Step One: Eliminate all competing social variables. Starting with 'Chadly'.

Finally. The only place where I don't feel like a mess. Just me, some charcoal, and total silence.

pretend theres a gaming chair here

im a gaming chair

Greetings, Aris. I have calculated that your previous seating arrangement was causing a 4-degree curvature in your spine. I have... 'relocated' the old stool to the dumpster. Please utilize this superior support system.

im a gaming chair

Further Optimization: I have adjusted the room’s layout to ensure 100% focus on your creative output. Peer distractions have been moved to a safe distance of twelve feet.

im a gaming chair

Kaya?! How did you get here before me? And you threw away my favorite stool? That thing was seasoned with five years of paint splatters!

im a gaming chair

 I just want to be normal, okay? I don't want a 'superior support system,' I just want to sit with the class!

im a gaming chair

Normalcy is a low-tier objective, Aris. You are 'Pretty.' You are 'Talented.' You deserve a controlled environment. If you do not sit, I will be forced to 'Lock Down' the room until you comply.

Subject Aris, I must depart to... 'consume nutrition' in the private faculty lounge. I have hacked the thermostat in this zone to remain at a comfortable 22 degrees. Do not move. I have installed a proximity sensor under your seat.

A sensor?! Kaya, it's just lunch! Go eat your... whatever you eat. I'll be fine. I'm just gonna draw this apple.

Finally, the Robot Bodyguard is gone. So, Aris... is it true you’re dating that freak because she pays for your lunch? Or is she just your 'Emotional Support Android'?

Literally so embarrassing. You used to be the 'mysterious cute artist,' now you’re just... 'The Guy with the Creepy Glitch.

She's not a freak, she's just... new. And we're not dating. Can you guys just go back to the 'Popular Table'? I'm not doing anything to you.

Ugh, look at him blushing. It’s pathetic. You’re ruining the 'Pretty Boy' aesthetic, Aris. It’s tragic, honestly-

Alert. Subject Aris has been 'Bullying-Targeted.' Emotional distress detected. Commencing: Total Social Erasure.

A healthy friend would help me clean this up and tell me it's okay. But I can see it in Kaya’s eyes... she’s not going to clean the table. She’s going to 'clean' the school.

Target Lock: Locker 402 and 405. Deploying customized chemical compound: 'Eau de Garbage.' Probability of social reputation survival: 0.0%.

OMIGOSH! What is that?! It smells like... like a dumpster had a baby with a skunk!

My hair! My hair is absorbing the scent! It’s literally permanent!

a while later..