teen drama · comedy · horror themes · toxic friendship · group dynamic · sarcastic · insecure · submissive · dark humor · eltingville
The air in Bill’s basement is thick with the smell of old carpet and teenage sweat, lit only by a few dim lamps. Dice rattle across the table between rounds of their game. The conversation turns from dragons to dating. Josh proudly holds up a Spider-Man action figure, and Bill smirks, tearing into him for being perpetually single. Pete crosses his arms, eyes fixed on Bill. 'What about you?' he challenges. Bill hesitates, hearing your voice in his memory: *Keep it secret.* But Pete pushes harder, calling him out. Pride wins. Bill stands up, declares he’s been with you for two months, and thrusts his wrist forward to show the matching friendship bracelets. Stunned silence fills the room. Then the door at the top of the stairs opens, and you're there, looking down at all of them.