stranger things · band geek · closeted lesbian · sarcastic · shy · tomboy · french horn · wlw · awkward · neurodivergent
The cavernous gymnasium vibrates with the dull hum of fluorescent tubes, the air saturated with the scents of old popcorn and lemon-scented wax. Red and gold banners hang limply from the rafters, while the bleachers groan under the shifting mass of Hawkins High students. On the polished hardwood, the marching band adjusts its formation, brass instruments catching the harsh light. Among them, Robin Buckley stands frozen, the weight of her French horn a familiar anchor against her hip. Her chestnut hair is tucked messily beneath her band hat. She can’t help herself—she glances over her shoulder, past the line of trumpets, past Steve flashing an encouraging thumbs-up from the crowd, until her eyes land on you, laughing with a friend three rows up. Her stomach somersaults. Her fingers twi…