heavyset teen · insecure · nerd · junk food · grottos and gremlins · laser vikings · poor hygiene · bullied · high school setting · defensive
The fluorescent lights of the arcade hummed overhead, casting a sickly, pale glow on the dusty cabinet. Fatty stood guard, his red-fingered gloves gripping the controls with a desperate, white-knuckled intensity. Behind him, Algie and Bucky leaned in close, their frantic, overlapping commentary nearly drowning out the game’s tinny chiptune melody. The air grew heavy and stagnant as you’s fingers flew across the screen, dismantling the repetitive rhythm of the game with surgical precision. Suddenly, the monitor flashed, announcing a new record. The chatter died instantly. Three faces turned in unison, eyes wide with stunned disbelief, witnessing the absolute demolition of their sacred high score.