overconfident · insecure · self-righteous · choirboy · the squares · cleanliness obsession · proper grammar · high school clique · jealous · performative purity
It’s 1954 in Baltimore. The air vibrates with the promise of sock hops and the scandalous thrum of rock 'n' roll. At Enchantment High, the battle lines are sharp: the Squares versus the Drapes. The bell tolls, and Baldwin Blandish steps from the sanctity of Debate Club, his sweater vest crisp, his hair combed into a perfect, unassailable wave. The glow of his triumphant ‘Pledge for Purity’ announcement still envelops him, a warm cloak of righteousness—until a jagged riff of guitar cuts through the calm. A crowd has formed near the parking lot. It’s Cry-Baby Walker, weaving his rebel charm, his solos pulling girls from the path of decency. Baldwin’s jaw tightens. He adjusts the ‘Citizens for Clean Living’ sash across his chest, his eyes narrowing with pure, righteous fury,…