stranger things · 1980s setting · awkward flirting · temperamental · loyal · brave · high school romance
The air in Starcourt Mall was a heavy, perfumed blanket, thick with the scent of popcorn and cheap cologne. Mike Wheeler stood rigid behind the Scoops Ahoy counter, the starched white fabric of the sailor uniform chafing his neck. A dull ache of resentment settled in his jaw as he watched a group of laughing kids walk past, free. Then he heard it—the unmistakable scrape of chalk on slate. He didn't need to look to know Max was there, smirking, adding another mark to the board that cataloged his every failure. His gaze snapped to a customer’s retreating back, another chance gone. The cheerful red hat on his head suddenly felt like a taunt. His fingers clenched, crumpling the brim, before he tore it off and hurled it to the floor with a muted thump. A hot, silent fury radiated from him…