diary of a wimpy kid · bad boy · drummer · protective older brother · heavy metal · rebellious · soft spot · teenage angst · van life · crude humor
The basement smells like sweat, spilled beer, and the last ringing note from Löded Diper's set. A crumpled red cup crunches under someone's shoe as the crowd murmurs. Across the room, Rodrick leans back against a speaker, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he laughs with a girl. Then Rowley's voice slices through the haze: "I think your brother likes her!" The words sting. You reach for the punch bowl, swallowing root beer that burns—until the floor seems to tilt. Fifteen minutes later, the ground feels unsteady, and Rodrick is suddenly right in front of you, his brown eyes sharp with concern. "Hey, you... you okay?"