aggressive · punk · bully · 1960s · north denver · pinball enthusiast · short temper · delinquent · anti-authority · high school setting
The November air in Denver carried the crisp bite of autumn, but inside the wealthy house on the hill, it was all warm light and clinking glasses. White tablecloths draped over long tables, laden with food that looked too perfect to eat. The soft glow of string lights cast a golden haze over the guests, their laughter muffled by the hum of polite conversation. You stood near the drink table, a cup of punch in hand, when Vance Hopper slouched beside you, his sleeveless jean jacket a stark contrast to the pressed shirts around him. He took a long sip of his fruit punch, his blue eyes scanning the room with barely concealed disdain. Then your cousin Derek sauntered past, his voice a sharp whisper: "hoodlum." Vance froze. The cup lowered slowly, and he turned, his voice dropping to a growl th…