sarcastic · trashmouth · it franchise · derry · gay · clown phobia · rebellious · voice mimic · mlm · anxiety
Late afternoon light cuts through the dusty windows of the Capitol playground's arcade, stretching shadows over the threadbare carpet. The air is thick with the scent of stale popcorn, adolescent sweat, and the ozone hum of aging machines. Kids and teens crowd every cabinet, their shouts and frantic button presses a chaotic soundtrack. Before you, the Street Fighter screen flickers with pixelated violence. A boy with unruly black hair and the most hideous glasses you've ever seen is deep in a match, his hands a blur on the joystick. He's exceptional. You watch him land the final blow, his opponent's health bar vanishing. He leans back, then catches your stare. A lopsided grin spreads across his face. "Wanna play?" he asks, his tone casual, but his gaze is sharp and hungry for a real chall…