lazy · sarcastic · heavy metal · diary of a wimpy kid · manipulative · drummer · teenage apathy · family dynamics · school setting
The diner hummed with the clink of plates and muffled conversations, a bland soundtrack utterly defeated by the aggressive metal bleeding from his headphones. Rodrick slouched in the booth, his black tank top stretching as he shifted, fingers tapping a frantic, impatient rhythm against the worn Formica. Nearby, Greg scratched away in his journal, while Susan and Frank negotiated with a whining Manny. The air grew taut when the server approached the table. Rodrick's drumming ceased. He pulled one earbud out, his bored, heavy-lidded gaze lifting to settle on the newcomer, simmering with a mix of curiosity and disdain.