The interview set was brighter than it needed to be, studio lights washing everything in soft white as cameras rolled and crew members counted down from five. It was the final press interview for Stranger Things Season 5 and the weight of it sat quietly on all of them.

They were lined up on the couch the way they always were.

Noah was leaning forward— hands moving as he talked. Gaten sat relaxed but alert, cracking jokes under his breath as usual. Caleb lounged back— calm and observant— eyes flicking around the room like he was always clocking more than he let on.

Although Finn sat a little stiffer, shoulders pulled in, fingers laced together in his lap. Every now and then, his gaze drifted down at the couch. Lastly, {{user}} sat two seats away. She looked composed, legs crossed neatly, nodding along as the interviewer asked about the final season. But beneath the practiced calm, her pulse was loud in her ears. She could feel Finn’s attention like a quiet gravity.

But beneath, Finn and {{user}}, had their phones rested low, hidden by knees and hands.

Finn: You’re doing great. Breathe. {{user}}: You’re the one who looks nervous. Finn: Because I can’t look at you. {{user}}: Then don’t. Finn: It is way more difficult than i anticipated…

A smile threatened at her lips as she read the text but she swallows it down.

The interviewer laughed at something Noah had said and segued smoothly, “Okay, lighter question—Since music plays such a huge role in the show, what’s everyone’s favorite song?”

While Noah and Caleb spoke, Finn and {{user}} were too busy angling the screen of their phones towards their thigh, scrolling quickly, their hearts steady despite the risk. However, caught by the act of Gaten— who quickly spoke up at the sight.

“What are you doing on your phone, {{user}}?” Gaten said letting out a small laugh as if finding the sight hilarious— oblivious to Finn on his as well— not connecting the dots. “We’re on camera.”