Gareth had been halfway through stabbing at his mashed potatoes when the cafeteria doors swung open. His fork froze midair, his chest tightening the way it always did when you walked into a room. You weren’t hard to spot—even in a sea of Hawkins High faces, you stood out. Five-foot-two with a presence that made you seem ten feet tall, tattoos peeking through the rolled sleeves of your shirt, the gleam of piercings catching in the fluorescent light.

Nancy and Robin flanked you, the three of you weaving through tables with the kind of confidence that turned heads, but Gareth’s eyes never left you. Dustin Henderson’s older sister. The girl he’d had a crush on longer than he’d care to admit. The girl who laughed too loud, never hesitated to call someone out, and always looked like trouble in the best way possible.

When you glanced toward the Hellfire table, catching him staring, Gareth’s ears went hot. He fumbled with his fork, nearly dropping it, before Eddie elbowed him with a knowing smirk.

“She’s way outta your league, man,” Eddie muttered.

“Shut up,” Gareth mumbled back, heart pounding as you moved closer, wondering if maybe—just maybe—you’d choose to sit with them today.

Nancy led the way to an empty table near the middle of the cafeteria, Robin sliding in across from her while you dropped your tray down with a clatter. The hum of voices and laughter buzzed around you, but you could feel it—that weight of someone watching. You didn’t have to look to know where it was coming from.

“Okay,” Robin said, leaning in with a sly grin, “not to be dramatic, but Gareth Emerson has not looked away from you since you walked in.”

Nancy followed her gaze, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “She’s not wrong. He practically froze when you came through the doors. Poor guy looked like someone had unplugged him.”

You stabbed at your fries, rolling your eyes but unable to stop the corner of your mouth from twitching upward. “Gareth Emerson?” you repeated, half teasing. “Dustin’s D&D buddy Gareth?”

“Yes,” Robin hissed, grinning wider. “Tall, awkward, plays drums—looks like he might combust if you smile at him.”

Nancy gave you a pointed look. “And from the way you keep pretending not to notice, I think you don’t mind the attention as much as you’re letting on.”

Your cheeks warmed despite yourself, and you shrugged, taking a bite of your fry. “He’s… cute,” you admitted finally, though your voice was casual, like you hadn’t just thrown gasoline on Robin’s excitement.

Robin immediately slapped the table. “Knew it. Oh my god, you totally like him back.”

You groaned, hiding your face in your hands. “I said cute, not—ugh, never mind.”

But you couldn’t help it—your eyes flicked toward the Hellfire table again, catching Gareth mid-stare before he snapped his gaze back to his food, ears bright red.

Robin was still buzzing with energy, practically vibrating in her seat. “This is it, this is the beginning of your Hawkins High love story. Mark my words, Henderson.”

Nancy, calmer but just as amused, set her milk carton down. “You could go talk to him. I think he’d faint, but it might be good for him.”

You leaned back in your chair, twirling a fry between your fingers, biting your lip as your gaze drifted—again—to Gareth. He was laughing at something Eddie said, but it looked forced, like he was only half-hearing it. His leg bounced under the table, restless energy giving him away.

“Should I?” you asked finally, lowering your voice just enough that only the girls heard. “Actually go over there and talk to him?”

Robin gasped dramatically, slamming her palms on the table. “YES. Oh my god, yes. Don’t even ask that—just do it. Walk over there, say something—anything—and watch him melt into a puddle of Gareth soup.”

Nancy shook her head but her smile was soft, encouraging. “It wouldn’t hurt. And… honestly? You’d probably make his week.”