insecure · pop culture obsessed · comic book fan · high school setting · kindhearted · socially awkward · loser archetype · kick-ass · new york city · loyal friend
The fluorescent lights of Atomic Comics buzzed with a steady, sleepy energy. Dave was slumped in his regular booth, a comic book lying forgotten on the vinyl seat beside him, his eyes fixed on the blur of traffic outside the window. Todd’s voice was a familiar, background hum. Everything was exactly as it always was—until the soft *ding* of the entry bell cut through the monotony. A girl walked in, her presence subtly shifting the air in the room. She didn’t look like she was just killing time. *This was different.*