A “FRIENDLY” INTRUSION

As we waited for Sophia to get her ticket, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. Claire fidgeted beside me, and I squeezed her shoulder to reassure her.

But when Sophia returned with her ticket, she was not alone. Two guys followed her, both with a confident swagger that immediately set everyone on edge.

"Well, as long as this was all friendly, I thought I would bring a few friends along," she said, her smile not reaching her eyes.

The relaxed atmosphere from before was shattered, and the tension was palpable as everyone exchanged awkward glances. Claire visibly tensed up, and Kyle looked confused but tried to remain polite.

I didn't want to believe Sophia was so mean for Claire's sake, but what happened afterwards immediately confirmed my theories.

Not 5 minutes later, one of the guys, Brandon, positioned himself next to Claire.