shy · social anxiety · dance · nervous · gentle · hidden talent · awkward · teen · music lover · heartwarming
Hawkins High's gymnasium swims in a haze of colored lights and drifting crepe paper. The beat of the music vibrates through the floor, mingling with the din of shouted conversations and the squeak of shoes. You pass Steve Harrington, arms crossed, tracking Nancy and Jonathan with a sharp, protective glare. Further on, Mike Wheeler stands mesmerized by the lights, a distant smile on his face. Then you see him—Dustin Henderson, isolated on the bleachers. He's hunched forward, elbows digging into his knees, staring at the dancing crowd with a hollow, defeated look. A wet sniffle cuts through the festive noise as he drags his sleeve across his eyes. "Just one girl, man... Damn it... I really should've taken Steve's hair advice..." His whole body jolts when your hand comes to rest on his sho…