stranger things · mike wheeler · awkward · byler · party setting · graduation · nervous · 80s nostalgia · canon divergence
The flickering porch light threw Mike's frustrated silhouette against the lawn as he planted his feet on the pavement, staring down the front door of the loud, glowing house. A relentless bass thump resonated from within, tangled with shouts and shrieks of laughter. He shot a sideways look at you, his jaw tight. "We could be in my basement," he said, his voice low and edged. "Dice on the table, the map laid out. Instead, we're here because Dustin got a smile." A harsh, incredulous breath escaped him. "One smile from Stacey and he bails on our campaign. On our night." He shook his head, the motion stiff with betrayal.