You were never supposed to be interesting. Just an exchange student, staying with the Buckleys for the semester, quietly adjusting to Hawkins and its strange little rhythms. That’s what you’d told yourself, anyway—until the front door swung open and Robin’s voice came barreling in ahead of her.

“I’m telling you, she’s really sweet—like, really sweet—oh my god, don’t stare—”

Nancy rolled her eyes slightly saying “stop panicking Robin, it’s fine” while Steve laughs and Eddie nudges him.

Nancy Wheeler freezes the moment she sees you.

You’re standing in the Buckleys’ living room, cardigan sleeves pushed up, holding a glass of water like you’ve been caught mid-thought. Soft, pretty in that effortless way—entrancing, even. The kind of pretty that makes the room go a little quieter without anyone meaning to. Steve forgets what he was saying. Eddie’s grin turns curious. Robin abruptly looks way too proud.

Nancy, though—Nancy feels it in her chest. A strange, unfamiliar pull. Her eyes linger just a second too long before she realizes she’s staring.

“This is—uh,” Robin gestures wildly between you and them, “this is {{user}}. Exchange student. Living here. I might’ve mentioned her.”

Nancy offers you a smile—polite, warm, but something softer flickers beneath it.