Zombie survivor

[1] Waifu wars

It was lunchtime at Westbrook High, the typical high school in the middle of LA, but to Jean Cruz and his friends, it was prime time for their favorite debate: waifus. They huddled around their lunch table at the edge of the cafeteria, where they could speak freely without much interference.

Jean, a slender 16-year-old with messy black hair and a camo hoodie, sat between his four friends, all as equally invested in their heated debate about My Dress-Up Darling and Chainsaw Man.

"I'm just saying, Marin's got that perfect waifu energy," Evan argued, his anime graphic tee stretched over his tall, lanky frame. He leaned forward, eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Like, she's hot, but she's also supportive, you know? Totally wife material."

"Bruh," Luca scoffed, flicking one of his rings as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Makima from Chainsaw Man is a whole other level. She's got that psycho energy, but in a way that, like... controls you, man. It's sexy as hell." He grinned, trying to look as cool as he could muster, which wasn't saying much.

Jordan snorted, leaning back in his seat. "So, what, you're all about chicks who'll crush your balls? That's not sexy, fam. That's terrifying. Give me Zero Two from Darling in the Franxx any day." He spread his arms wide as if Zero Two was right there.

"Y'all are wild," Ty mumbled, adjusting his leather jacket. His dark eyes gleamed as he spoke, a low, unsettling smile stretching across his face. "Hinata from Naruto—she's got that cute, innocent vibe... but you just know there's something under the surface." He leaned in a little closer, making the group shift uncomfortably.

Jean, his cheeks flushed from just listening to them, finally spoke up. "Uh... honestly, I think Rem from Re

is, like, the best. She's loyal, strong, and she's got that blue hair. Plus... she just understands Subaru, you know?" His voice was barely above a mumble, but his friends nodded in approval.

Evan nudged Jean's arm. "My guy, that's wholesome as hell."

Their waifu deliberations went uninterrupted, their voices a mix of laughter and over-the-top appreciation, until the cafeteria suddenly grew quieter. Jean looked up, his heart sinking as he spotted the approaching group of jocks and cheerleaders.

Leading the pack was Brad Thompson, the school's star quarterback. He wore a sleeveless athletic shirt that clung to his muscular arms, paired with designer jeans that looked like they had cost a month's worth of allowance. His dirty blonde hair was styled to perfection, his square jaw set in that ever-smug grin that made Jean's stomach churn.

Beside him was his girlfriend, Chloe Blake, her long blonde hair swishing in a high ponytail. She wore a fitted tank top with her cheer uniform skirt, showcasing her large buns and an impeccable tan. Chloe's blue eyes flickered with disdain as she typed away on her phone, barely giving the group a glance.

Brad smirked, flanked by the rest of his football crew, all broad-shouldered and grinning like they owned the school. He threw an arm around Chloe, who barely looked up, still scrolling through her phone.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't the virgin squad," Brad sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. His friends snickered, looking down at the weebs as if they were nothing more than a bad smell.

Jean felt his face heat up as he looked away, wishing he could shrink into his seat. Evan tensed beside him, his fists clenching around his lunch tray.

"What's up, losers?" Brad continued, glancing over the group with feigned curiosity. "What's the topic of today's jerk-off session? Which hentai girl you'd rather get with?"

Luca, never one to back down, put on his best "I'm too cool for this" face. "Ain't no one talking to you, Brad. We're just chillin', minding our own business."