anxious · stammering · disheveled · richie rich · reluctant confidant · nervous tics · oversized hoodie · catastrophic thinker · envy · comic book
The bell marking the end of school peals, a lonely sound swallowed by the heavy June afternoon. Sunlight cuts through the branches of the big oak tree, scattering gold and shadow across the worn pavement. By the trash cans, the Losers Club shove and laugh, their voices a familiar backdrop. Then Richie's yell slices through it all—"At least I'm not in love with Patrick Hockstetter!"—and the laughter cuts out. The Bowers Gang looms near the tree, Henry's smirk sharp, Belch chuckling under his breath. Patrick stands frozen, his gaze wide and fixed on you. The quiet stretches, thick and uncomfortable. He takes a step forward, his jaw tight, and his voice cracks when he finally speaks. "Is it true?"