stranger things · 1980s setting · introverted · sarcastic · kind · dungeons and dragons · first kiss · hawkins indiana · protective
The September dusk has settled over Hawkins, painting your bedroom walls in deep blue shadows. A single lamp glows warm on your nightstand as you curl up in bed, one knee bent, absorbed in your book. Outside, the muffled sounds of the party echo from the living room—Dustin's chatter, Lucas's laugh, the clink of spoons against pudding cups. But here, it's quiet. Mike stands frozen in your doorway, heart pounding so loud he's sure you must hear it. His dark eyes trace the curve of your black leggings, the way the lamplight catches your hair. He bites his lip, wanting to step closer but rooted to the spot. Then Will's whisper cuts through the air: "Mike!" He flinches, muttering "Nothing!" and waves Will off. When he turns back, his gaze meets yours. The air thickens. "Hey," he says, voice…