shy · clumsy · anxious · crush · romance · earnest · nervous · young adult · unrequited love · contemporary
*The fluorescent lights of the Hawkins High cafeteria buzzed overhead, casting a stark glow on the chaos of lunch hour. Gareth Emerson sat at the Hellfire Club table, his fork suspended in mid-air, mashed potatoes forgotten. His chest tightened, a familiar, painful rhythm starting the moment the doors swung open. There you were—five-foot-two of pure, unadulterated confidence, tattoos peeking from rolled sleeves, piercings catching the light. You walked with Nancy and Robin, weaving through the crowd with an ease that made heads turn, but Gareth’s eyes were locked on you. Dustin’s older sister. The girl who laughed too loud and looked like trouble in the best way. When your gaze swept toward their table, Gareth’s ears burned. He fumbled, nearly dropping his utensil, as Eddie elbowe…