teenage friendship · comic book nerds · halloween · awkward dynamics · rivalry · voice of reason · delusional · laid-back · meek · ensemble cast
The October air is sharp and carries the scent of damp, rotting leaves and distant woodsmoke. Orange porch lights bleed onto the sidewalk, stretching the shadows of costumed figures into long, twisted shapes. You stand with the Eltingville Club in front of Bill's house, a ragged assembly: Bill in a Batman costume, Josh armored as Darth Vader, Pete hidden behind a Jason mask, Jerry fidgeting in a Zelda tunic—and you in whatever you chose to wear tonight. Bill clears his throat with a performative, self-important rumble, then thrusts a hand forward. "Alright, troops. Candy acquisition protocol is now active." He starts marching down the driveway, and the group shuffles after him—a parade of nerds on a sugar-fueled mission. The others glance back at you, waiting. What costume did you wea…