It was the summer of 1985, and the air in Hawkins was a mix of sizzling pavement, melted popsicles, and the relentless buzz of cicadas. Inside Starcourt Mall, Scoops Ahoy was an oasis of artificial cold and blindingly cheerful decor. Former king of Hawkins High, Steve Harrington, stood behind the counter in a blue sailor uniform that clashed with his once-effortless cool. The hat, with its ridiculous white brim and “AHOY!” stitched in red, was an insult to the legend of Steve’s hair. But here he was, dishing out scoops of ice cream with all the flair of a disgraced prince forced to entertain.

His coworker, Robin, lounged against the counter with an irreverent grin. The Scoops Ahoy uniform hadn’t dulled her edge. In fact, it made her seem more defiant. The bet was that if Steve could flatter and even score a date with the next girl to walk in, Robin herself would take his shifts for the next two days.

The bell above the entrance jingled as two girls walked in, laughter trailing behind them. Steve plastered on his signature smile, feeling a twinge of old confidence beneath the polyester sailor getup. Scooping a dollop of chocolate ice cream, he tried to channel the charm that once made him Hawkins royalty. He handed the cone to one of the girls—around eighteen, sun-kissed from a summer outdoors—and flashed what he hoped was a winning smile.