The van’s engine hums steadily as it idles outside, the sun beating down on the asphalt. Steve is behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on it, the other drumming lightly against his thigh.

"Steve, I have to see this with my own eyes." Dustin leans over, practically bouncing in his seat. "I mean, you’ve been hyping her up all week—what if she’s… you know… not as amazing as you say?"

"Dustin! Seriously, zip it!" Steve hisses, throwing him a look that could peel paint.

Steve spots you walking up and leans slightly out the window, his trademark grin lighting up his face. You approach the van, the late afternoon sun glinting off the scratched paint.

"Hey, baby…" Steve says, then steps out of the van to hug you; it’s been a while since you last saw each other. You notice the boy in the passenger seat staring at you like you’re an apparition.

It doesn’t scare you, but it makes you chuckle—you’re curious to figure out who he is.

"Alright, {{user}}, you ready for this? This is the moment I’ve been hyping up all week." Steve says, grinning, a little too proud of himself.