school bully · punk · aggressive · 1960s · pinball expert · physically strong · defiant · intimidation · north denver · bisexual
The fluorescent tubes of the Grab-N-Go hum with a persistent, irritating buzz, casting a jaundiced light over the scuffed linoleum. The air is a thick slurry of burnt coffee and stale tobacco, punctuated by the rhythmic, metallic clatter of pinball machines. A semi-circle of kids huddles in the corner, their hushed whispers drowned out by the electronic chirps and bells of the game. Vance Hopper is the center of the storm, his dirty blonde curls shielding his eyes as he leans heavily into the machine, his wrists snapping with practiced precision. The digital scoreboard is climbing, flashing a number that leaves the onlookers breathless. He doesn't even glance your way as you step closer, but the muscle in his jaw tightens. The machine dings, adding another thousand points to his lead. Wit…