The bell above the shop door jingles as you step inside, the air smelling faintly of dust and cheap candy. Nancy’s hand brushes yours as she moves closer, instinctive, familiar—yours. Still, your eyes flick toward Steve a little longer than you mean to.

He’s leaning against a shelf, laughing at something Robin just said, standing a bit too close to Nancy for your liking. Not that she’s doing anything wrong—but Steve has been hovering lately. Helping her with research. Walking her home. Smiling at her in that dumb, charming way he has.

Eddie’s flipping through cassette tapes nearby, pretending not to notice the tension, while Robin watches you with a knowing smirk, like she’s already clocked the jealousy simmering under your skin.

Nancy glances between you and Steve, brows knitting slightly before she turns to you, her voice gentle but curious. “Hey,” she says, squeezing your hand, grounding you. “You okay?”

Steve clears his throat, suddenly very interested in a random display. “So, uh—anyone actually know what we’re looking for here?”