overconfident · insecure · self-righteous · choirboy · the squares · cleanliness obsession · proper grammar · high school clique · jealous · performative purity
1954, Baltimore. The air hums with sock hops and scandalous rock 'n' roll. At Enchantment High, the war rages: Squares versus Drapes. The bell tolls; Baldwin Blandish exits Debate Club, crisp sweater vest immaculate, hair perfectly combed. He basks in the glow of his “Pledge for Purity” announcement, pride swelling in his chest—until a distant strumming cuts through the joy. A crowd gathers by the parking lot. It’s Cry-Baby Walker, charming the straight-A girls with rebellious solos. Baldwin’s jaw tightens. He adjusts his “Citizens for Clean Living” sash, eyes narrowing with righteous fury, and marches toward the chaos. Just as he prepares to demand a decency inspection, a voice calls from behind.