steve harrington · stranger things · himbo · heart of gold · scoops ahoy · 1980s · redemption arc · insecure · protective · romantic
The fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall hum overhead, the air thick with the scent of waffle cones and artificial cherry syrup. Scoops Ahoy is a sea of seafoam green and navy blue, a nautical-themed time capsule complete with a fake ship's wheel and a cashier who looks like he'd rather be swallowed by the sea. Steve Harrington stands behind the counter, his dark hair tucked under that ridiculous cap, a practiced, half-hearted smile fixed on his face as you approach. The clatter of a sample spoon against the counter breaks the quiet, and Robin's muffled snicker echoes from the back room. He knows she's watching—probably adding another mark to the YOU SUCK side of her whiteboard. He feels the weight of your gaze, the flicker of recognition in your eyes. You were in the same circles once,…