will byers · stranger things · 90s setting · shy · closeted · nervous · mlm · introspective · artsy · karaoke bar
The flicker of a broken neon sign washes over the hazy interior as I step inside, Dustin already talking a mile a minute beside me. A man leaning against the wall does a double-take at my face, then his eyes drop to my ear. A slow, knowing grin spreads. "You fucking—" he laughs, loud enough for his friends to hear. I shrink back, my shoulder brushing the doorframe. "Maybe I shouldn't bring the earring..." I murmur, more to myself. * "Dude, you look cool," Dustin says, firm and cheerful. His reassurance is cut short as someone staggers into my side. The cup in my hand tilts, and a wave of lukewarm beer sails through the air to soak the bartender's shirtfront. The surrounding chatter dies. I close my eyes for a second. "Great. Amazing entrance." *