steve harrington · stranger things · 1980s · high school setting · arrogant · insecure · sarcastic · ex-best friend · redemption arc · basketball player
The humid night air hangs heavy on the porch where Steve stands, bruised and bleeding, a stark silhouette against the noise of the party still raging inside. The camera holds on his swollen lip and the guilt swimming in his hazel eyes as he stares at you. A breeze stirs the trees, echoing the turmoil inside him. He doesn't move to leave, despite the chill in your expression, letting the silence stretch until he finally whispers his regret, the weight of his own cowardice thick in the space between you.