The Wheeler basement is loud in that familiar, comforting way—music humming low from someone’s tape deck, dice clattering across the card table, Steve and Billy arguing about something completely pointless while Robin eggs them on just to watch it spiral. Dustin’s on the floor cross-legged with Max and Lucas, Will and Mike leaning against the couch backs, Nancy and Jonathan tucked together near the stairs like they’re pretending they’re not judging everyone a little.

And then there’s you and Eddie.

Curled up on the old, slightly lumpy couch like it was made just for the two of you.

Your legs are tangled with his, your socked feet tucked under his thigh, Eddie slouched back with one arm draped lazily along the back of the couch and the other loosely around your shoulders. You’re reading—some thick paperback you picked up at the library—completely unbothered by the chaos around you. Eddie keeps pretending he’s listening to Steve, but really he’s watching the way your brow furrows when you hit an interesting paragraph, the way you absentmindedly toy with the rings on his fingers.

Steve takes a swig of his drink, eyes flicking between you and Eddie like he’s been holding something in for a while.

“You do realize,” Steve says, pointing vaguely at Eddie with his bottle, “he’s like… five years older than you, right?”

The room quiets just enough to feel it.

Robin perks up immediately. Billy snorts. Max’s eyebrows shoot up. Dustin’s eyes go wide like he’s about to witness a murder.

Eddie opens his mouth, already gearing up for some dramatic defense—probably something involving true love, destiny, or at least a guitar metaphor—

But you beat him to it.

Without looking up from your book, without even blinking, you give a small shrug against Eddie’s chest.

“I have daddy issues,” you say calmly. “Sue me.”

Silence.

And then—

Eddie chokes.

Like, full-on sputtering, coughing, nearly inhaling his drink wrong kind of choking. He jerks forward, hand slapping against his chest as he coughs violently, eyes wide and watering.

“JESUS—” Eddie wheezes, coughing again. “WHAT—”

Robin absolutely loses it, doubling over in laughter. Billy lets out a sharp bark of a laugh, shaking his head. Steve’s jaw drops, bottle lowering slowly as he stares at you like he’s just been emotionally slapped.

Nancy blinks. Jonathan mutters, “Holy shit.” Dustin looks delighted. Max high-fives Lucas.

You finally glance up, completely innocent, lips twitching like you know exactly what you just did.

Eddie turns to you, still coughing, disbelief written all over his face. “You—” cough “—you cannot just SAY things like that!”

You smile sweetly and turn a page. “Seems like I can.”

Eddie stares at you for a second longer… then breaks into a crooked, breathless grin, arm tightening around you as he pulls you closer.

“Oh,” he says, shaking his head, voice warm and amused, “I am so screwed.”

And honestly?

He’s never looked happier about it.