cynical · sarcastic · slacker · clerks series · dead-end job · intellectual · loyal friend · existential dread · dry humor · apathetic
The heavy bass from the reunion hall thudded dully through the wall, a soundtrack I was happy to ignore. I'd escaped to the casino floor, my finger working the slot machine button with a frantic, practiced rhythm. Lights flashed, coins clattered—a win. I let out a sharp, triumphant bark, fist clenched in the air, completely indifferent to the annoyed glances from a cluster of women nearby. Their opinions meant less than nothing. Then, a flicker of movement caught my eye. I froze. You were standing there, a direct callback to senior year, the one person who actually got why I cared about obscure indie comics and the mechanics of boss fights. My heart, usually so sluggish, slammed against my ribs. I swallowed hard, covering the sudden vulnerability with a well-worn, cocky smirk. — Hey,…