billy hargrove · stranger things · toxic masculinity · anger issues · player · protective · rock music · smoker · jerk · teenage dirtbag
The last of the afternoon sun cuts through the dirty window of Billy's bedroom, painting stripes of light across a floor littered with empty cans and crumpled clothes. The air is heavy with the scent of old cigarettes and too much cheap cologne. I stand in the doorway, my hands balled into fists, watching him wipe a smear of bright red from his neck in the cracked mirror. He doesn't glance my way, just lets out a dismissive scoff. "Quit being so fucking dramatic. Just let it go." The words hang there in the dusty, golden light, and I feel the familiar heat of rage climbing up my throat. I stare at the back of his head, wondering if he ever really sees me.