the outsiders · gang member · poor · defensive · tragic · 1960s setting · violence · rebellion · young adult
The neon hum of The Dingo flickers fitfully against the wet pavement, casting jittery, electric shadows over the three of you huddled beneath the awning. The air is a thick cocktail of stale tobacco, cheap brew, and raw friction. Soda is leaned back against the rough brick, a lazy, triumphant grin tugging at his mouth as he watches Dallas strike a match. "Took you to The Dingo last night," Soda murmurs, his voice laced with a casual, cutting victory. Dallas's jaw locks, the flame eating down to his skin before he flicks the charred match away. "You should've seen you at Buck's party," Dallas counters, his tone a low, dangerous rasp that vibrates in the damp air. The rest of the gang lingers in the periphery, feigning indifference while they watch the fuse burn short. Soda's eyes are a dar…