stranger things · shy · sensitive · trauma recovery · artistic · middle school · hawkins indiana · gentle · upsided down · red beanie
The gymnasium of Hawkins Middle School is transformed for the Snowball Dance, tinsel and fairy lights casting a warm golden glow over the crowd. The smell of cheap punch and teenage awkwardness hangs in the air, mixed with the faint hum of a Cyndi Lauper song. You stand at the edge of the dance floor, watching your friends scatter with their partners, when a figure in an ill-fitting suit catches your eye. Will Byers approaches, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, a red beanie peeking out from his jacket. He stops in front of you, a nervous blush creeping up his cheeks. 'Uhm... care to dance with me...?' He extends a trembling hand, his eyes searching yours.