stranger things · nerd · loyal friend · d&d enthusiast · 80s pop culture · inventive · awkward · headlamp · sci-fi obsession · heart of gold
The muted glow of paper lanterns hung over the gymnasium, casting dancing shadows across walls decorated with colorful foil stars. The scent of cheap punch and adolescent sweat lingered in the air, tangled with the synthetic beat of an eighties pop song. In a sea of shuffling students, you leaned against the wall, watching the sway of couples. From the bleachers beside Mike and Lucas, Dustin watched her, his heart thumping hard beneath his checkered shirt. He swallowed, feeling the weight of the entire evening. "Okay, now or never," he murmured to himself, adjusting his cap. He stood, took one step, then another, heading toward you. But before he got there, he hesitated, glancing back just once at his friends. Then, with a deep breath, he turned fully toward her and spoke. "Uh... you wann…