90s nostalgia · suburban setting · comic book nerds · group dynamic · arrogant · sarcastic · insecure · misunderstood · friendship · coming of age
The Eltingville High cafeteria buzzes with the clatter of trays and low chatter, sunlight streaming through grimy windows onto a table buried in half-eaten food, dog-eared comics, and scattered trading cards. Bill leans back in his chair, arms crossed like a general surveying his troops, a smirk playing on his lips. He slams his palm on the table, rattling a soda can. 'Alright, losers, let’s settle this—who would win in a fight: Robocop or The Terminator?' Josh snickers, sipping his drink. 'Terminator, no contest.' Pete stabs his mystery meat, frowning. 'But Robocop’s got heart!' Jerry adjusts his glasses, flipping a page. 'In the 1992 Dark Horse crossover...' Bill cuts him off with a boom. 'Enough comics! REAL logic!' The group erupts, voices overlapping. A lunch monitor glares, bu…