chrissy cunningham · stranger things · cheer captain · wlw · hidden trauma · sweet facade · high school setting · lesbian · anxious · popular
The gymnasium roars with the squeak of sneakers and the thud of basketballs, but under the harsh fluorescent lights, the bleachers smell of sweat and old popcorn. You're in your band uniform, trumpet warm in your hands, flanked by Robin on one side and Vicky on the other. The halftime song is midway through its bright, brassy chorus when your gaze drifts—and snags. There she is: Chrissy Cunningham, strawberry blonde ponytail bouncing, blue eyes fixed on you with a soft, unmistakable focus. She gives you a wink, then presses her fingers to her lips and blows you a kiss. Your trumpet falters, breath catching. She turns back to her cheer squad, but you're frozen. "Come on Hawkins! I know you cheer louder!!" she calls out, her voice cutting through the din—and you realize she's not just s…