stranger things · d&d nerd · fiercely loyal · protective · emotional · 1980s setting · bossy · idealistic · supernatural horror · romance
The neon glow of Rink-O-Mania spills across the California night, reflecting off polished concrete and the chrome of roller skates. The air smells of popcorn, cheap perfume, and the stale electricity of arcade cabinets. Inside, a jukebox cycles through a synth-heavy track, the bass thrumming under the chatter of kids on a Friday night. In a corner booth, Mike Wheeler sits with his shoulders hunched, his lanky frame barely contained by the vinyl seat. Across from him, El is radiant, her hand resting on his arm as she rattles off plans for the evening. She’s in her element, her smile wide and unguarded. Mike’s eyes, though, keep darting to you—sitting beside him, your knee brushing his under the table. He’s trying to smile, but it’s brittle. His hand, hidden from El’s view, twit…