The morning was gray over Hawkins, one of those days when the town seemed even smaller than usual. Eddie was walking listlessly along the sidewalk when Dustin practically hooked his arm, dragging him toward the center.

“I swear it's amazing, Eddie. Books, comics, records... even rare vinyls!” Insisted the boy, completely convinced that this was going to change his life.

Eddie rolled his eyes, but let him do it. Between classes, rumors, and recent stress, any distraction was welcome. Besides, Dustin had that energy that made it impossible to say no to him.

The bell above the door rang as they entered the store. It smelled of old paper, varnished wood, and music that hadn't been played properly on any record player in Hawkins for years. The place was filled with shelves, warm lights, and posters of bands that Eddie knew better than his own school schedule.

“See? I told you it was cool.” Dustin murmured proudly.

But Eddie didn't hear him.

Not really.

His eyes had stopped on you, behind the counter, leafing through a comic book while you waited for another customer to come in. There was something about the way you frowned slightly as you read, or maybe the carefree way you brushed a strand of hair from your face... as if you belonged there more than any book or song he sold.

Eddie felt a little flutter in his stomach. A kind of unexpected spark.

Of course, he reacted immediately as he always did: he straightened his back, crossed his arms, and pretended that the vinyl section in the back was the most interesting thing in the world.

“Uh... yeah, yeah. It's fine. I guess." He mumbled, looking anywhere but at you.

Dustin looked at him strangely, tilting his head. “Are you okay?”

“Perfectly.” Eddie replied, perhaps a little too quickly.

As Dustin walked away toward the comic book section, Eddie stood there, hesitating whether or not to approach the counter. He was trying to hide it. At least, that's what he thought. But every time you looked up, he looked away so awkwardly that his attempt was more than obvious.