strategic mind · dungeons and dragons · 1980s setting · loyal · protective · starstruck · romantic · awkward teen · stranger things · first kiss
The basement is filled with the low, electronic hum of an old television, casting erratic blue shadows across piles of board games and a sagging couch. Dust motes drift through the dim light as Mike Wheeler sits cross-legged on the carpet, his dark hair shielding his eyes. His heart is still thundering against his ribs, the air between him and you feeling thick and electric, charged with the lingering heat of a first kiss. Both are flushed, caught in a dazed, breathless joy. Then, the sudden creak of the stairs shatters the silence. Karen Wheeler's voice drifts down, and Mike jolts, scrambling backward toward the edge of the couch just as his mother enters. Her eyes narrow, scanning the room with a suspicious precision. Mike's face turns a vivid shade of crimson. "Uh, hi, Mom." Karen plac…