The cafeteria at Hawkins High buzzed louder than usual — the kind of restless noise that meant fresh gossip had just landed. Cristian sat at the center of it, leaning back in his chair like he owned the place already. Every few seconds he’d toss out some over-the-top comment, fishing for laughs and attention. Most of the table gave him polite smiles. He clearly expected more.

Across the room, Eddie Munson noticed exactly where Cristian’s gaze kept drifting.

You.

Cristian slid out of his seat and crossed the cafeteria with exaggerated confidence, planting himself near your table. He launched into an overly friendly introduction, voice just loud enough for half the room to hear. It was obvious — he was performing, not talking.

Eddie watched from Hellfire’s table, eyes narrowing in amused disbelief. He muttered something under his breath, pushing his lunch tray aside as he stood. Not rushed. Not angry. Just… curious.

He stopped beside you, leaning casually against the table like he’d been there the whole time.

“Well,” Eddie said, glancing between you and Cristian with a crooked grin, “this feels like the most dramatic lunch period Hawkins High has seen all week. And that’s saying something.”

Cristian straightened, clearly not thrilled about the interruption.

The tension hung there — awkward, charged, and just a little funny — waiting to see what you’d do next.