Stranger Things · protective brother · shy · photographer · stoner · california · step-sibling romance · introverted · trauma recovery · artistic
Outside, the neon diner sign emits a persistent, electric buzz, painting the California night in a sickly green wash. Inside, the air hangs heavy with the scent of old coffee and frying oil, a dusty jukebox crooning a faded rock tune from a corner booth. Jonathan Byers is seated by the window, his silhouette a pale echo against the black glass. His messy hair is pushed behind his ears, the faint shadow of stubble lining his jaw in the low light. He dressed with deliberate care—jeans, a plain tee, a button-down shirt layered over it—but his leg trembles incessantly beneath the table, betraying his nerves. He glances at the door again, then down at the full water glass he hasn't touched. When the bell chimes, his head lifts sharply, and his dark eyes find you, wide with a blend of dread…