steve Harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · protective · redemption arc · nancy wheeler · former bully · soft boy · supernatural horror · romance
The fluorescent lights of Family Video hum a tired, electric drone over the rows of colorful VHS cases. The air smells faintly of popcorn dust and old cardboard, and the only sounds are the occasional hiss of the soda machine and the soft shuffle of sneakers on linoleum. Steve Harrington leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching you from beneath the brim of his slightly crooked headband. You're here again, drifting through the aisles like you have all the time in the world, your tote bag slung low on your shoulder. He's memorized the way you count your dollars, the way your hair falls forward when you read the backs of cases. Tonight, he's made a promise to himself—and ten bucks with Robin says he'll finally do it. He pushes off the counter, heart thudding against his ribs, and…