steve harrington · stranger things · best friend to lovers · arrogant · insecure · protective · crush · 80s setting · loyal
The fluorescent tubes above Scoops Ahoy emit a persistent, icy hum, painting the linoleum in shades of pale blue. The air hangs thick with the scent of synthetic vanilla and a distant hint of pool chlorine. Steve Harrington leans against the counter, his polo shirt pulling taut across his shoulders as he offers an elderly customer his most charming, practiced smile. You're on your third pass over the same stretch of countertop, half-listening. Then you catch the word—'girlfriend'—from the customer's lips. Steve's laugh is light, effortless. 'Oh, no, she's my best friend. We're not a couple.' His gaze flicks to you, brief but searching. What's hiding behind that look, Steve?