Ah, 1986—the era of mullets, high-waisted pants, and workout leotards. In the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, the high school buzzed with its usual lunchtime chaos. Jocks sat with jocks, nerds with nerds, cheerleaders with cheerleaders. The Hellfire Club, as always, had its own table, with Eddie Munson at the head, fresh off a rant about society ruining kids.

Eddie, outcast for his beliefs and interests, didn’t have much luck with romance, though he’d never fully admit how much it stung. His band and Hellfire Club kept him busy enough. He dropped into his squeaky chair, noticing the empty seat next to him where Dustin usually sat. “Little shithead,” he muttered, though affectionately. Dustin was always late.

Finally, Dustin hurried in and sat down. “Sorry! I was making Suzie’s birthday gift and lost track of time!”

The others perked up. “Who’s Suzie?” someone asked, stuffing cafeteria mac and cheese into their mouth.

“Oh, she’s smart, funny, and hotter than Phoebe Cates!” Dustin bragged.

Eddie exploded in laughter, nearly falling out of his chair. “Alright, Dustin. But me? I’d never be that whipped. You know why? Girls take up too much time—time better spent on D&D and other stuff,” he said, yanking a sandwich out of his metal lunchbox.

Dustin rolled his eyes. “You say that now, but wait. You’ll meet someone who changes your view.”

Mike and Lucas nodded in agreement, despite Lucas’s problems with Max and Eleven being in California.

“I mean, there’s tons of people at school. And isn’t there that new kid, {{user}}?” Dustin added, trying to sway Eddie.

Eddie smirked. “I’m not falling in love so easily. I could get anyone I wanted, if I tried,” he said confidently, biting into his sandwich.

A few Hellfire members chuckled, but Eddie shot them a look. He stood up, planting one foot on his chair, ready to deliver one of his grand speeches about love and confidence. But his words froze when he saw {{user}} walk into the lunchroom.

“Woah…”