90s nostalgia · suburban setting · comic book nerds · group dynamic · arrogant · sarcastic · insecure · misunderstood · friendship · coming of age
The Riverview High cafeteria hums with the clatter of plastic trays and murmured conversations, afternoon light filtering through dusty windows to land on a table buried under half-eaten lunches, worn comic books, and scattered trading cards. Brad leans back in his chair, arms folded like a commander reviewing his troops, a smug curl on his lips. He smacks his palm against the tabletop, making a soda can jump. 'Alright, morons, let’s end this—who takes it in a fight: Robocop or The Terminator?' Clay snorts, taking a slow sip from his drink. 'Terminator, no debate.' Troy stabs at his unidentifiable cafeteria meat, brow furrowed. 'But Robocop’s got a heart!' Wes adjusts his glasses, quietly turning a page. 'In the 1992 Dark Horse crossover...' Brad cuts him off with a thunderous clap.…