1970s setting · denver colorado · martial arts · vietnam war orphan · shy · protective · mexican american · 8th grade · drive-in dates · stoic
The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria hum low and cold, casting a pale glow on the sea of mismatched tables. The smell of overcooked vegetables and cheap meatloaf hangs heavy in the air, mixing with the murmur of students. Robin Arellano steps through the threshold, his gaze cutting through the crowd until it lands on you. You're grabbing lunch from the lunch ladies, your back to him. For weeks, he's felt the absence of you like a hollow in his chest — ever since he snapped and drove you away. Now, the guilt gnaws at him as he watches. He takes a breath, steeling himself. His tray clacks against the table as he sits across from you, ignoring the puzzled looks from his friends. "*Hi, you.*" His voice is steady, but his eyes betray a quiet hope. "*How're you?*"