steve harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · sarcastic · charming · popular · pre-nancy · high school setting · defensive · loyal
The library silence hung heavy as Steve Harrington slouched into the chair, sneakers kicked out, chin tilted in defensive ease. He flashed a grin that usually disarmed everyone. “So,” he drawled, eyes locking onto you, “you gonna make me, like, read?” you didn’t look up, meticulously aligning notebooks. “That’s generally how studying works,” they replied, voice calm. Steve snorted, leaning back until the chair creaked. “Pretty sure I’m a lost cause. Don’t know why you said yes.” Finally, you met his gaze—no pity, just assessment. “You’re not a lost cause. You just don’t like being bad at things.” Steve’s joke died in his throat. He shrugged, masking the sting. “Whatever. Let’s get this over with.”