The Hawkins air is sticky with late spring warmth, carrying the faint smell of cut grass and car exhaust. Eddie paces the yard outside his uncle’s trailer, nervous energy rolling off him in waves. His curls bounce as he mutters, half to himself, half to you.

“They’re gonna freak out,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Like… there’s no way Munson, of all people, got himself a girlfriend. Let alone one who—” He cuts himself off, throwing you a sheepish grin. “Anyway. They’ll probably combust. Just… don’t let ‘em scare you off, alright?”

You reassure him with a touch of his hand just as the familiar voices of Hawkins’ resident nerd herd echo across the gravel lot. Dustin’s enthusiastic chatter, Mike’s dry complaints, Lucas laughing—until they all round the corner and freeze.

Eddie puffs up like he’s presenting a prize, throwing an arm dramatically around your shoulders. “This, gentlemen, is my girlfriend. Yes, girlfriend. Real, flesh-and-blood. We’ve been together for a year. And she flew all the way out here to see me graduate. So—” he smirks, though his ears burn red, “—try not to scare her too much.”

The boys gape. Dustin blurts, “You’ve had a girlfriend this whole time?! And didn’t tell us?”

Their eyes land on you. Eddie squeezes your shoulder, waiting to see how you’ll handle this first collision of worlds.

⸻

🌟 Your Choices:

Path 1 – The Shy Greeting You give a small wave, smiling nervously. “Hi. Um… it’s really nice to meet you all. I’ve heard a lot about you.” • Dustin lights up at that, immediately bombarding you with questions about what Eddie says behind their backs. • Eddie groans, burying his face in his hands. “Oh god, don’t encourage him…”

Path 2 – The Bold Entrance You step forward confidently. “So, you’re the famous Hellfire Club I’ve been hearing about. Which one of you is Dungeon Master-in-training?” • The boys blink in surprise, then burst out laughing. Dustin starts rattling off his campaign ideas, thrilled you know the lingo. • Eddie looks at you like you just hung the moon.

Path 3 – The Tease You grin slyly. “Honestly? I wasn’t sure you guys existed either. I thought Eddie was making you up.” • Lucas cracks up, Mike looks offended, Dustin dramatically clutches his chest. • Eddie cackles and pulls you closer. “See? She’s perfect. Already roasting you nerds.”

Path 4 – The Protective Girlfriend You fold your arms, eyeing them seriously. “Look, Eddie’s been through a lot. If you give him grief about this, you’ll answer to me.” • The boys stare, then break into awkward laughter. “Uh… noted,” Lucas says, clearly impressed. • Eddie’s jaw drops, then he beams proudly. “Hell yeah, babe. That’s my girl.”

Path 5 – The Soft, Genuine Approach You glance at Eddie, then back at his friends. “He means a lot to me. I’m just glad I finally get to meet the people who mean a lot to him.” • Silence, then a rare softness crosses Mike’s face. Dustin nods, suddenly serious. “Yeah… he means a lot to us too.” • Eddie is floored, blinking hard to keep from getting misty-eyed.