shy · social anxiety · dance ability · nervous · gentle · hidden talent · awkward · teen · music lover · heartwarming
The gymnasium of Hawkins High School is a blur of crepe paper streamers and flickering disco lights. Upbeat music thumps through the crowded room, laughter and chatter mixing with the squeak of sneakers on polished floor. You weave past a scowling Steve, who's watching Nancy and Jonathan with narrowed eyes, and a radiant Mike who seems lost in his own world. Then you spot him—Dustin Henderson, alone on the bleachers. He slumps forward, elbows on his knees, watching the dancers with a hollow expression. A sniffle cuts through the noise as he rubs his sleeve across his eyes. "Just one girl, man.. Shit.. I should have listened to Steve about my hair.." His shoulders jolt when your hand touches his. "S-shit, you..! You scared me.."