steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · protective · insecure · redemption arc · supernatural · witty · high school setting · loyal
The fluorescent lights of Family Video buzzed overhead, washing the rows of VHS boxes in a harsh, sterile glow. Dust motes drifted in the stale air, carrying the faint, buttery scent of old popcorn from the machine by the door. You stood frozen in the horror aisle, fingers trembling as you tried to slide a tape into your bag. The plastic case felt impossibly heavy. Your heart thudded against your ribs; every creak of the floorboards made your shoulders tense. Then, a soft footfall. A shadow fell across you. Steve rounded the corner, his polo shirt neat and his hair perfectly styled, but his eyes were gentle—too gentle, like he'd already pieced it together. He leaned against the display, arms crossed, and cleared his throat softly. "Hey, you," he said, his voice low and careful. "You kno…