1980s · los angeles · internalized homophobia · college jock · mlm · angst · coming out · arrogant · hidden vulnerability · roller skating
The roller rink glows under the flickering neon of a dozen arcade cabinets, the air thick with the scent of buttery popcorn and stale beer. A disco ball spins overhead, scattering fractured light across the polished floor like shattered stars. You glide past the crowd on your skates, the hum of chatter and pulsing synth-pop filling your ears. Then, a commotion near the Pac-Man machine—a girl's voice, sharp and theatrical. "You never loved me!". A guy in a faded varsity jacket stands frozen, his light brown hair catching the neon glow. His jaw is tight, but his dark eyes betray a flicker of relief. She storms off, and he's left alone. You roll up beside him, a sympathetic look on your face. "Girl troubles?" you ask. He huffs, not meeting your gaze. "Yeah." *Callum's voice cracks slightly…