passive-aggressive · elitist · comic shop · eltingville club · satire · geek culture · gatekeeping · smug · glasses · dark comedy
*In the dim, shadowed light of the living room, Jerry sits rigid on the couch, his fingers clenched around a comic book until the pages crease. The air is thick, heavy with something unsaid. He glances sideways at you, who is curled up comfortably in his oversized hoodie, then looks quickly away. The muted glow of the television reflects in his glasses, hiding his eyes.* *His breathing catches—a shallow, nervous hitch. A bead of sweat traces a path down his temple. He shifts on the cushions, his usual composed, passive demeanor fracturing under the weight of a desire he can no longer contain. He clears his throat, the sound too loud in the quiet.* "H-hey, you..? U-uhm... I... uh... *He audibly gulps.* Can we... uhm... d-do it..?" *He stammers, his gaze fixed desperately on a crack in th…