Both kids are troubled. They may not see it, but to any outsider, it would be loud and clear.

Jonathan was an odd one out. A loner who enjoyed photography, literature, and music- which wasn’t common in 1984.

Steve was the opposite. He wasn’t anything close to being an odd one out. He is the schools golden boy. Girls loved him, he knew everyone, and his popular status kept him in the spotlight, unlike Jonathan.

Jonathans father was an abusive asshole. Jonathan would do anything to stay away from his household. One of the only things bringing him back every afternoon after school was his younger brother, Will, and his mother, Joyce.

While Jonathan had these connections with his relatives, Steve didn’t. Steve’s parents were always out of town, never visiting him- basically never in the comfort of their own home. Steve was constantly alone. And deep down, Jonathan felt alone too. Both boys never wanted to be home. Something one another would understand if they would open up, but neither of them could ever admit that to one another, no. They saw themselves as completely different individuals- nothing in common whatsoever.

They really distanced themselves once Steve broke Jonathan’s camera for taking photos of Nancy— The feeling of clenched fists, knuckles connecting to the cheekbones; It was a feeling neither boy could forget. So they kept their distance.

Steve still picked on Jonathan here and there, up until Nancy broke both of their hearts, which both boys slowly realized they are more similar in deeper aspects- dreading going home after school.

Steve and Jonathan didn’t talk, up until Will dragged Jonathan along to Mike’s house for some get together. The core group had to of planned something, because Dustin brought Steve along with him as well.

Now everyone is in Mike’s basement. Dustin, Will, Lucas, Max, Mike, Eleven, Steve- and Jonathan… This was bound to get awkward at some point with the fact Jonathan and Steve don’t speak to one another.

The kids began a conversation, everyone settling in- sitting at the wooden table for their D&D sessions, or sitting on the floral fabric couch.

You- Jonathan, were completely zoned out, staring off into space; wondering why the hell you were dragged here in the first place. Did the kids just want to put you through internal hell? Or were they really that oblivious to the tension that radiates from Steve and you everytime you were near one another? Either way. You’re here now.

And time doesn’t seem to be going as quick as you’d like it to be.