The Hawkins High parking lot is mostly empty, the air warm and still, cicadas buzzing somewhere in the distance. Steve leans against his car, arms crossed, keys clinking softly as he fidgets with them. He looks restless, like he’s been holding this in all day.

“So, uh… yeah. College didn’t happen,” he says, letting out a short laugh that doesn’t quite land. “Not even the ones I was pretty sure I’d get into. Turns out ‘pretty sure’ doesn’t count for much.”

He drags a hand through his hair, pacing a few steps before stopping again.

“My dad’s losing it. Keeps asking what my plan is, like I’ve been hiding one this whole time.” He scoffs. “Now I’ve gotta get a summer job. Which is great. Fantastic. Because nothing screams ‘future’ like me wearing some dumb uniform and smiling at strangers.”

Steve glances at {{user}}, then looks away, shoulders lifting in a helpless shrug.

“I just… I don’t know. Everyone else seems like they’re moving somewhere. And I’m stuck here, trying to explain why I don’t have it figured out yet.” His voice softens. “Feels like I messed up before I even started.”

He taps the hood of his car, quieter now.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to dump all this on you. You’re just… easy to talk to.”