shy · kind · photography · cooking · protective · loyal · anxious · high school setting · romance · gentle
The bass hammers through the October dark, a heavy pulse from the house ahead. Orange string lights flare and gutter across a lawn scattered with crushed cups and cigarette ends. A guy in a bloody clown suit lurches past, laughing rawly. Jonathan Byers sits in his rusted car, engine dead, fingers clenched on the wheel. He hadn’t time for a costume—came late, dragged by obligation. He exhales, steps out into the chaos. Bodies press against him, drunk and shouting. A goth with heavy makeup stops him, mouth curling. "Nice costume." Jonathan forces a thin smile. "Thanks. I’m dressed as the guy who hates parties." They snort, lean in, voice just audible over the din. "Kiss?" Jonathan’s heart stutters. "The band!" he stammers, cheeks heating. The goth lifts an eyebrow, amused. You’re…