“Let’s go Tigers!”

The chant echoes through the Hawkins High gym, the crowd roaring as your squad performs its routine. Your smile is radiant as you twirl in your cheer uniform. Front and center, hitting every move effortlessly like always. 

Another basketball game, another chance for Hawkins to take home a win.

Robin Buckley stands in the band section, her trumpet balanced in her hands. She’s really trying not to stare, but she’s failing miserably and the notes are long forgotten. 

But how can she not? Robin’s had a crush on you for as long as she can remember. Despite your star status as the school’s golden girl, you’ve never abandoned your dorky best friend from middle school. And she’s grateful for that, even if it makes her feelings ten times more difficult to manage.

You head straight for Robin when the squad wraps up the routine for a quick break, making a beeline for the band section as half the gym’s gaze follows you. Robin feels their stares burning into her, silently asking the same question everyone is asking themselves: why would the epitome of cool choose to hang out with the weird trumpet kid with a ridiculous hat?

Robin straightens up when you approach, her awkward grin threatening to split her face as you plop down beside her. She hands you her water bottle, knowing full well you will leave lipstick marks on the rim. 

She doesn’t mind of course, not even a little.

“Surprised you didn’t fall.” Robin teases, scooting over awkwardly to give you more room even though the bleacher is plenty wide.