The red glow of the Hawkins High darkroom washes everything in soft shadows, the scent of chemicals lingering in the air as trays of developing photos sit between you and Jonathan Byers. He stands close—closer than he probably realizes—carefully lifting a print from the developer, eyes focused as the image slowly appears. “You’ve gotta be patient with it,” he says quietly, voice low and steady.

But when you glance over, he isn’t looking at the photograph anymore. He’s looking at you. He freezes for a second after being caught, clearing his throat and turning back to the tray. “Sorry. Uh… guess I got distracted.”