#high school hierarchy

[raincitygirl76]

This is really thought provoking. My only quibbles with it involve Sara. Sara has been a bullied outcast most of her life so far, and suddenly she’s been adopted by the popular girls. She’s popular, but it’s transitory. By 2.06 the other popular girls have closed ranks around Felice.

Something I don't think we talk about enough is the fact that Young Royals follows the popular kids. They are the Hillerska youth. They are Forest Ridge and Manor House. The houses that were home to royalty. So that, by itself, makes them the most popular kids at Hillerska.

But then deeper into that, we follow the most popular kids in Forest Ridge and Manor House. The most well-known and the richest.

This post got away from me and it's long as fuck so:

Starting with Forest Ridge, we obviously have Wilhelm. Crown Prince. He is obviously popular. But then we also have August, who was popular before Wilhelm got there. His title is enough to make him popular, but he was also their "fearless leader." He was Prefect and Captain of the rowing team by the time we meet him, and we know he's been on the team since his first year. Then there's Vincent and Nils, who are rich as fuck, but also August's friends and right hand. Vincent is nobility and has enough popularity (with Nils' help) to win over Forest Ridge so he can be prefect and team captain. Then There's Henry and Walter, who have quickly become friends with Wilhelm. Henry, again, is nobility, and Walter is rich as fuck. They might not be best friends with Wilhelm, but they are certainly the only boys he regularly talks to. It is popularity by proxy. And it's the same with Alexander, but then Alexander also has the added edge of being "friends" with August and those boys. Sure, they're just using him, but the fact of the matter is that others will see him as "in that crowd." And Wilhelm, whether he does it out of a guilty conscious or not, seeks Alexander out. That gives him popularity. "Street cred" if you will.

And he's not part of Forest Ridge, technically, but even Simon is somewhat well known, even if he's not popular. In season one, he's well known because he's the non-res. He's well known enough that August knows of him and chooses him to ask for booze when we know there are other non-residents that could have been asked. And then, just like with Alexander in season two, Wilhelm seeks him out. That gives him "street cred" even if people hate him for it. And then by season two, everyone knows. And that, once again, makes him well known, even if not explicitly popular.

And then we have Manor House. Which we know less about, but we still know enough. Starting with Felice, we know how popular she is. She's modern nobility and she has a significant social media following. Then, on top of all of that, in season one August goes after her. He wants to date her, sleep with her. And she goes for it. So she added onto her popularity by being with someone who had equal - if not more - popularity. Then, in season two, she's Wilhelm's right hand. Even before they were caught making out, everyone knew Wilhelm and Felice were getting close. Then we have Maddie, who is originally Felice's roommate. Being friends and roommates with Felice is already enough to make her popular by proxy, but then she hooks up with Nils (or at least we think she did?). So she has popular friends and she hooks up with influential and popular people. Not to mention that she only speaks English so that makes her kind of interesting. Then there's Stella and Fredrika. They're the gossips. They're friends with Felice and Maddie and are essentially the Henry and Walter of the girls. They are well known and rich as fuck and they are friends with people seemingly more popular than them. Sara joins Manor House in season two, and becomes Felice's roommate. Now she has that edge that Maddie had for popularity in season one. She's friends with Felice and roommates with Felice. It makes her popular by proxy. And on top of that, her brother is fucking the crown prince. And she is with August, like Felice was in season one. Of course she's well known through all of that. Of course she's popular.

We follow the Hillerska teens. These kids are already at the top. Even within the walls of their school, they are at the top. They don't need to fight their way up, they need to fight to keep their place.

I don't know, I feel like we don't mention that enough.

[elryuse]

Hierarchy

Part 2 : Jooshin High

Y/n's POV

The imposing facade of Jooshin High loomed over me, a monolith of privilege and power. As I stepped through the grand entrance, I felt like a small fish swimming into a vast, unfamiliar ocean. The air was thick with the scent of wealth and exclusivity, and the students who filled the hallways were a stark contrast to the kids I grew up with.

I followed the signs to the school hall, my heart pounding in my chest. As I entered the vast space, I felt a wave of intimidation wash over me. The hall was filled with students who looked like they had stepped out of a fashion magazine. Their clothes were expensive, their smiles perfect, and their confidence exuded an aura of superiority.

I found an empty seat at the back of the hall and tried to make myself as small as possible. I was about to take a deep breath when a group of students grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the seat.

“Hey, that’s our seat,” one of them said, his voice dripping with contempt.

I looked around, confused. There were plenty of other empty seats. Why were they picking on me?

“Didn’t you see the sign?” another student sneered. “This section is for privileged students only. Scholarship students belong at the back.”

My face burned with humiliation. I had been so focused on blending in that I hadn’t noticed the small, gold sign indicating the seating arrangement.

I was dragged to the back of the hall and forced to sit among the other scholarship students. They were a motley crew, a stark contrast to the privileged students who occupied the front rows.

As I sat there, feeling like a loser, the large double doors at the front of the hall swung open. A hush fell over the crowd as a group of incredibly attractive students entered the hall. They walked with a sense of entitlement, their heads held high. They took their seats in the front row, their perfect posture and flawless outfits making them look like they belonged on a fashion runway.

A few minutes later, the principal, a stern-looking woman with a sharp gaze, walked onto the stage. She welcomed everyone to Jooshin High and gave a brief overview of the school’s history.

As she spoke, I couldn’t help but notice the way the privileged students were eyeing us, the scholarship students. It was as if we were prey and they were predators.

The principal’s speech was interrupted by the sound of applause. A beautiful girl, with long, flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, was walking towards the stage. She was tall and slender, with a perfect figure. Her every movement was graceful and elegant.

I was captivated by her beauty. She looked like a goddess, a vision of perfection. I had never seen anyone so stunning in my life.

As she reached the podium, the entire hall fell silent. She was Park Sohyun, the queen bee of Jooshin High, the girl I had heard about but never seen before.

She began to speak, her voice clear and confident. She talked about the school’s rich history and the importance of upholding its traditions. But then, her tone changed.

“Jooshin High is a place for the elite,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt. “A place for those who have been born into privilege. It’s a place where hard work and talent are irrelevant.”

She paused, her eyes scanning the crowd. When her gaze landed on the scholarship students, a cold smile crept across her face.

“Some of you may have managed to sneak your way into this prestigious institution,” she continued, her voice growing colder. “But let me be clear: you do not belong here. You are imposters, pretenders. You will never be one of us.”

A wave of laughter erupted from the privileged students. It was a cruel, mocking sound that echoed through the hall. The scholarship students sat in stunned silence, their faces paling with fear. A cold dread settled over them. They realized they had walked into a highway to hell itself.

Sohyun stood there, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.

The laughter finally died down, and the principal stepped forward to regain control of the situation. Her voice, though firm, held a hint of uncertainty.

“Thank you, Sohyun, for your... unique perspective,” she said, her voice strained. “Now, let us move on to the practicalities of the new school year. As you all know, Jooshin High offers a diverse range of academic programs..."

Sohyun's POV

The endless drone of the principal’s voice was a monotonous hum in the background, a dull ache against the vibrant pulse of anticipation that surged through me. I glanced around at the sea of expectant faces, their eyes glued to the stage, their expressions a mix of boredom and feigned interest. I had played my part, delivered my lines with the calculated precision of a seasoned actress. Now, it was time for the curtain to fall.

With a subtle shift in my posture, I drew attention away from the stage and towards myself. A discreet glance around confirmed my suspicion. No one was paying attention to me. It was time.

Rising from my seat, I moved with a deliberate grace, my steps echoing through the hushed hall. As I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of the scholarship students, their eyes wide with fear and resentment. A flicker of satisfaction passed through me. They were exactly where I wanted them to be.

The bathroom was a sanctuary, a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the school. I locked the door behind me and leaned against the cool tiles, exhaling slowly. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the sleek silver device. With a deft hand, I slipped it to my lips, inhaling deeply. The vapor filled my lungs, a soothing balm against the rising tide of anxiety.

I closed my eyes, letting the world fade away for a moment. The taste of the vapor was a familiar comfort, a constant in a life filled with uncertainty. As I exhaled, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, jarring me back to reality. I pulled it out, my heart pounding. A new message. My fingers trembled as I unlocked the phone and opened the message. A wave of nausea washed over me as I read the words.

Photos. Threats. Blackmail. A sight so horrible and horrifying, that immediately makes my whole body trembled in fear.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. I felt a cold dread creeping into my bones, a fear I hadn’t experienced in years. The images flashed through my mind, a haunting reminder of a past I desperately wanted to forget.

My hands shook as I tried to steady my breath. I needed air, fresh air. I fumbled for my inhaler, my fingers clumsy with fear. Just as I was about to take a deep breath, the bathroom door swung open.

Gaeul stood in the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and surprise.

“Sohyun, are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.

I nodded, trying to mask the panic in my voice. “Yeah, just having a bit of... Something,” I lied.

Gaeul hesitated, her eyes scanning my face. “Here,” she said, handing me her inhaler. “Take a deep breath.”

I accepted the inhaler gratefully, taking a long, slow inhale. The menthol hit my lungs, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

“Thanks,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

Gaeul nodded, her eyes still filled with concern. “Gurll... Are you sure you’re okay? You look pale.”

I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just a little stressed, that’s all.”

Gaeul studied me for a moment longer before finally nodding. “Okay, but if you need anything, just let me know.”

I nodded, relieved that she didn’t push. As she turned to leave, I felt a surge of gratitude. Gaeul was one of the few people who truly cared about me.

I was alone again. The bathroom tiles seemed to close in around me, the walls growing taller, the ceiling lower. The images from the phone replayed in my mind, a relentless torment.

I had thought I had escaped my past, buried it deep beneath layers of success and privilege. But now, it was back, more menacing than ever. This time, they knew my weakness.

The realization hit me like a cold shower. They knew where to find me, who I was with. My carefully constructed facade was crumbling, revealing the vulnerable girl beneath. Panic seized me. I had to get out of here.

My phone buzzed again. Another message. I didn’t need to open it to know what it contained. More threats, more demands. My heart pounded in my ears. I had to think, to plan. But my mind was racing, a whirlwind of fear and confusion.

I stumbled to the sink, splashing cold water on my face. The shock of the cold water was a brief respite from the chaos in my mind. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The girl staring back at me was a stranger, her eyes filled with a terror she hadn’t felt in years.

A wave of dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, and my legs felt weak. I clutched the edge of the sink for support, my breath coming in short, rapid gasps. The world was spinning, and I couldn’t focus. Fear, pure and unadulterated, consumed me.

I slid down the wall, my knees buckling beneath me. My heart pounded in my ears, a deafening drumbeat. I couldn’t breathe. I was suffocating.

A cold sweat broke out on my forehead, and my vision began to tunnel. I was losing control. The bathroom seemed to close in around me, a claustrophobic tomb.

Just as I was about to give in to the darkness, I heard the door open. Gaeul rushed in, her face etched with concern.

“Sohyun, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice filled with alarm.

I couldn’t respond. I could only gasp for air. Gaeul knelt beside me, her hands gentle on my shoulders.

“Breathe, Sohyun, breathe,” she said calmly. “You’re safe. You’re safe.”

Her words were like an anchor, grounding me in the moment. Slowly, I began to regain control of my breathing. With Gaeul’s help, I managed to stand up, leaning against the wall for support.

“I’m okay,” I managed to whisper, my voice hoarse.

Gaeul nodded, her eyes still filled with worry. “We need to get you out of here,” she said.

I nodded, grateful for her presence. As we walked out of the bathroom, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was safe, for now.

Whatever happened, I can't let anyone know this. If they find out, My whole life will be ruined.

??? POV

A cold, calculating gaze watched the scene unfold. A smirk crept across the observer's face as they watched the fear and vulnerability etched on Sohyun's face. This was just the beginning.

"You think you're safe now, Sohyun?" a voice whispered into the darkness. "But I'm watching you. Every move, every breath."

A chilling laugh echoed through the silent room.

"Soon, everyone will know your darkest secrets. Your perfect image will shatter, like glass under a hammer. Your friends, your family, even your beloved school... they will all turn their backs on you."

The observer leaned forward, their eyes glinting with malice.

"And when that happens, you'll wish you were never born."

A sinister chuckle filled the room as the observer opened a file, revealing a collection of photos, videos, and documents, each one a piece of Sohyun's carefully constructed facade.

The End

[cultoftheswag]

Fandom hierarchies are so fucking stupid. Can't believe whole ass adults are trying to measure dicks with each other over getting autistic with media in ways that under no circumstance would you ever feel comfortable sharing with irl people. Getting competitive over who has the best fluff furry ship or trying to establish yourself in a cliche as if it's highschool hoping you make it in the table with the "popular" kids , when every single one of us here most likely got bullied in school .

Anyway, other people aren't better than you nor are you better than them for having more followers/more interactions. The moment we kill the subconscious expectation of a certain fic or certain art being the holy grail of fan creation , the better it is for everyone.

[blitzsicedcoffee]

Woke up in the middle of the night thinking about Blitz fucking buckzo and need to get this outta my head.

I thought at first that Blitz's constant push away of any affection from Stolas was kinda petty. Like just be soft come on.

But then I reflected or I guess I dreamed about my past experiences with rich friends in high school and college and remembered how much I resented them.

Of course I was never as mean as Blitz gets in the show. But it was off handed comments like "must be nice" and "wow this is a bit much huh" when at their homes or when they would talk about their latest luxury vacation.

As someone who grew up lower middle class it is hard to have as much sympathy for those who have so much more than you. Just for being born into it. Not only that, they often as people seem untouchable and so it makes complete sense to me why Blitz thought Stolas couldn't get hurt. Not just cause he was powerful but because he's an untouchable royal.

"don't touch that pretty thing" is a double meaning in this sense at least to me. Stolas is pretty, yes, but Blitz fights in that moment to willingly and outwardly touch royalty. If you think about it, Blitz has never really initiated contact in good faith when it isn't a full moon night, and besides during Seeing Stars when they were in a crisis situation.

Royalty is something he has been told his whole life is untouchable. That he could get hurt or killed for probably, since it's hell. No wonder he has problems trusting Stolas.

I've said this part before but we as the audience know these boys trauma but they don't know one another's. I think they will address the class angle with Stolas, and I think Blitz will finally feel confident eventually to let go of his biases too.

It's much easier I believe to let go of biases towards those below you than it is for those below you to let go of biases of those so much higher than you.

Okay that's all now go the fuck to sleep, me.

[iheartmoons]

knowing american people and realising that cheerleaders and bleachers and band kids are like.... real things is wild.

[blonkk]

“so sad being a harry potter fan/jkr stan and a transphobe pick a struggle” ok but how’s it a struggle? ?? because weird losers i don’t know will try to bully me on the internet ??? y’all are just smug because you were nobody in high school and now you feel like you win at life because you have internet clout from tweens and perverted adult men plus the duds who jumped on the bandwagon because they have zero values and beliefs of their own …. like stop projecting i promise no one gives a fuck that you’re “different” it’s still annoying and your green shaved head and mushroom tattoo aren’t punk or even really that cool at all….get a grip fr …anyways i’m gonna struggle by A) being objectively right and B) enjoying my childish stories that have no shortage of material (and more on the way!) to keep me entertained

[thepoisonroom]

honestly maybe i just felt a little too seen by the depiction of an obviously gay gnc teenager who thinks layering a short sleeve over a long sleeve is a good look

[longlivetv]

I have come to the conclusion that the reason this has become such a pop culture moment that transcends the Swifties and the Kingdom is that Taylor and Travis are the Homecoming Queen and King of America

[birdhouse-lover]

just gave a presentation in english about cannibalism metaphors in media (what they are and what they can mean) and unfortunately i believe my audience was too normal and now i can never come to school again.

[uhode]

it’s so fucked up that no one tells you the kind of issues you’re going to have with authority when you had to build your sense of worth from scratch

[chailiker]

i have pretty much 0 sympathy for the rat grinders idk why other ppl do? like the supposed resentment they hold for the bad kids feels really misplaced and honestly kind of entitled

[anotherpapercut]

making posts where you make fun of people for not kissing or having sex within your randomly assigned timeline or for never wanting to kiss people or have sex is not progressive. like at all lmfao. even if you think their reasons are stupid. it's literally their body

I don't know why so many of you decided that pushing back against purity culture meant that people who don't like/want sex/physical intimacy are bad evil puritans while people who have a lot of sex are the only ones who are liberated and free. instead of making sex and intimacy and kissing just another fact of life that some people will experience and some won't

[rigginsstreet]

the way this website thinks only popular kids were doing drugs/drinking/having sex in high school.... what goes on what bubbles are you living in

[mourningmaybells]

Ohhh. I get it now.

Getting older doesn't necessarily mean it makes you smarter and you still have to google answers you don't have

[izzielizzie]

this is so random but i feel like you were a band nerd

i actually was in orchestra which is worse

[not-actually-human]

i think ive figured out that while i am a guy and prefer he/him and masculine terms 90% of the time, i am simultaneously an angry teenage girl who has been wronged by everyone around her, about to snap at any given moment, and ready to start fucking up and making mistakes