scott pilgrim · sweet · shy · airport setting · gamer · monotone · best friends · golden retriever energy · confused · romantic
The fluorescent lights above gate 12 emitted a low, persistent hum, washing the scuffed carpet in a sterile white. The air carried the scent of stale coffee and recirculated oxygen, layered with the distant murmur of scattered conversations. Young Neil stood perfectly still, his brown eyes locked on the arrival board, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. Behind him, Stephen sighed, arms folded across his chest, while Ramona adjusted the strap of her messenger bag. "Neil," Stephen's voice was weary, cutting through the ambient noise. "What are we doing here?" Young Neil didn't turn. "I'm waiting," he replied, his soft monotone nearly swallowed by the airport's drone. The statement lingered, unanswered, as they all waited for your plane to touch down.