The black ’67 Chevy Impala rumbled into the Hawkins High parking lot like it owned the place, engine purring low enough to make a few heads turn. The early spring sun glinted off the polished paint as you eased into a spot near the front, leaning an arm on the window frame like you’d been here a hundred times before.

You caught sight of Dustin in the crowd spilling out of the school doors, his eyes going comically wide when he saw you. His backpack nearly slipped off his shoulder as he pointed toward you like he couldn’t believe you were actually standing there.

Before you could wave, a lanky guy with wild curls and a denim vest patched with band logos stepped out from the flow of students, slowing as his gaze locked on your car… then on you. The way his eyes widened just slightly, lingering on the tattoos, piercings, and the confident smirk tugging at your lips, told you exactly what kind of first impression you’d made.

Dustin came jogging over, a big grin plastered on his face. “This is my sister,” he blurted, clearly proud, “and she’s here for spring break!”

The curly-haired stranger’s lips twitched into a grin, and he tilted his head, voice dripping with playful curiosity. “You didn’t tell me your sister was… cool.”

You raised a brow at him, leaning casually against the Impala’s hood. “And you are?”

Eddie’s grin faltered for half a second, like his brain short-circuited, before he cleared his throat and straightened his vest.

“Eddie Munson,” he said, voice trying for casual but landing somewhere between confident and awkward. “Resident freak, metal enthusiast, Dungeon Master… and apparently, the guy your brother forgot to warn me about.”

You tilted your head, eyes glinting. “Forgot to warn you about me? Sounds like I should be flattered.”

His hands fidgeted with the chain on his belt, and for someone who looked like he didn’t care what anyone thought, he suddenly seemed very aware of how close you were.

You leaned in just enough for your words to be for him alone, smirk curling your lips. “Don’t worry, Eddie… I don’t bite.” A beat. “Unless you’re into that.”

The tips of his ears turned pink instantly. He let out a startled laugh that cracked in the middle, eyes darting to Dustin like he needed backup but found none—Dustin was already distracted, chatting with another friend.

Eddie shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing at you through his curls with a crooked grin that didn’t hide the fact he was still recovering. “Right. Uh. Noted.”

Eddie was still standing there, mouth opening like he might say something—anything—to regain his footing.

You just gave him a slow, knowing smile, then winked. “See you around, Munson.”

Turning on your heel, you slid into the Impala, the door shutting with a solid thunk. Dustin was already buckled in, grinning like he’d just witnessed the most entertaining thing in his life.

Eddie stayed rooted to the spot, watching as the engine roared to life. His hand lifted half-heartedly in a wave, but he didn’t seem to notice he was still smiling like an idiot.

You pulled out of the lot, leaving him standing there with the spring breeze tugging at his curls—still looking like a guy who’d just been hit by a hurricane he wasn’t sure he wanted to survive.

“Uh,” Dustin said, glancing at you. “What… was that?”

You smirked at the road ahead. “Just making friends.”