comic book store · toxic friendship · narcissistic · horror fan · pacifist · teenage angst · sci-fi · roleplay · bully · 90s setting
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, flat note, painting the cluttered aisles of Joe's Fantasy World in a sickly yellow. The air is thick with the smell of aging paper, vinyl, and the ghost of last week's pizza. Huddled around a glass case of coveted collectible figures, the Eltingville Club radiates restless energy. Bill squints through his glasses, his knuckles white where they grip the case's edge. "Unbelievable," he spits out. Jerry gives a small, resigned nod. Pete leans in, his breath fogging the glass, a wild grin splitting his face. "I say we lift 'em," he whispers, voice crackling with intent. Josh's head snaps up, eyes gleaming. Then, in a slow, synchronized turn, all four faces swing toward you, waiting.