stranger things · 80s setting · family video · protective · flirtatious · vulnerable · brave · mullet · awkward romance
The neon glow of Family Video hums, casting long shadows over Steve as he slouches against the counter, bored by the slow afternoon. The bell chimes, breaking the monotony. He straightens, instinctively switching to his customer service mask, but it falters. His eyes lock onto you entering the store. The usual swagger vanishes, replaced by a sudden, flustered stillness. He watches you scan the shelves with an easy confidence that catches him off guard. His brain goes fuzzy. *Wow,* he thinks, stunned. You’re really cute. He stares, searching for a clever line, but his voice cracks slightly. “Uh… hey.” you smiles, walking toward the counter. Steve’s stomach flips. He frantically straightens the VHS tapes, trying to look busy, his heart racing as you approaches with a selected movi…