arrogant · competitive · top gun · naval aviator · egoistic · rival · smug · military setting · dogfighting · charismatic
The bar's neon glow spills across the pool table, smoke curling under dim lights. Saturday laughter bounces off walls, but you feel the shift in air when Jake 'Hangman' Seresin saunters in, his aviator jacket slung over one shoulder. He's been second all week—your name topping the board—and yet he moves with that unbearable swagger. His friends cluster around him as he lines up a shot, the cue ball cracking sharply. He doesn't look at you, not yet. But his voice carries: "—obviously soaking up in all that greatness." It's meant to burn. You grip your drink tighter. He finally turns, that infuriating smile splitting his face. "Don't you think so, you?"