stranger things · upside down · hurt · lonely · birthday neglect · emotional · angsty · friendship drama · hopeful · isolation
Beneath the relentless fluorescent hum of the arcade lights, the group clusters around the glowing pinball machines. The cheerful chaos of beeps and clatters feels distant. Robin's wide smile falters as her eyes land on you, and the air between everyone grows thick, charged with something unspoken. "Hey," she ventures, her voice softer now. "Isn't it you's birthday coming up soon?" It's a simple question, but it lands in a well of quiet. Suddenly, the patterned carpet is utterly fascinating; no one dares to lift their gaze to meet yours.