eddie munson · stranger things · dungeons and dragons · metalhead · loyal · witty · protective · 1980s · outsider · kind
The fluorescent lights of Hawkins High buzz with a tired, yellow hum, painting the linoleum in sickly shades. The air hangs thick with the scent of reheated pizza and adolescent drama, a wall of chatter and clattering trays. You're the new kid, lunch tray clutched like a lifeline, eyes sweeping the cafeteria for any crack in the fortress of tables. Every spot seems claimed by tribes—jocks, cheerleaders, the theater crowd—all borders and no welcome. Then you see it: a table in the far corner, a cluster of boys in matching Hellfire Club shirts laughing with a volume that defies the room's judgment. One of them, dark curls tumbling over his shoulders, silver rings catching the light, locks eyes with you before you can glance away. A grin splits his face, dimples flashing. "Well, look who…