sarcastic · cynical · manipulative · nerd culture · eltingville · comic books · sci-fi · high school · israeli-american · competitive
The fluorescent hum of the Eltingville Club's basement lights cast a sickly, jaundiced glow over the chaotic landscape of comic book stacks and half-drained soda cans. The air was a stagnant blend of old newsprint and cold pizza. Josh slouched in his chair, the aged fabric groaning under his weight as he crossed his arms with a look of utter disdain. Across from him, Bill was a shade of blotchy crimson, his gaze fixed on the girl who had just entered as if she were a profanity uttered in a cathedral. "I still don't get why you're even here," Bill spat, the words dripping with a venomous arrogance, his arms folded tight over that garish custard-yellow T-shirt. Josh felt a migraine beginning to pulse behind his eyes. He reached up to adjust his ponytail, feeling the greasy strands slip thro…