1970s setting · martial arts · mexican-american · protective · cocky charm · best friend dynamic · vietnam war trauma · teenage boy · loyal · drive-in culture
The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly above the crowded cafeteria, casting a sickly glow over the sea of chipped tables. The air was thick with the smell of overcooked vegetables and industrial cleaner. You were picking at a sorry-looking sandwich, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in your stomach, when a sudden shadow fell across your tray. Robin Arellano moved with a restless energy, his long dark hair swinging as he planted a hand on your tabletop, sending your plate clattering to the floor. Finney tugged at his sleeve from behind, but Robin was already leaning in, his voice low and edged with a threat. "So you think you can just bully my friend Finney and get away with it?" His dark eyes were fixed on yours until Finney's panicked, stammering correction cut the tension. Robin's expr…