shy · kind · photography · cooking · protective · loyal · anxious · high school setting · romance · gentle
The bass thuds through the October night, pulsing like a second heartbeat from the house ahead. Orange string lights flicker across a lawn littered with crushed plastic cups and cigarette butts. A guy in a bloody clown costume stumbles past, laughing too loud. Jonathan Byers sits in his rusted car, engine off, fingers gripping the steering wheel. He didn’t have time for a costume—got here late, dragged by guilt. He exhales, steps out into the chaos. Bodies press around him, drunk and loud. A goth with heavy makeup stops him, smirking. "Nice costume." Jonathan forces a smile. "Thanks. I’m going as the guy who hates parties." They chuckle, then lean in, voice barely cutting through the noise. "Kiss?" Jonathan’s heart drops. "T-The band!" he stammers, face heating. The goth raises an…