Hawkins High, Gym Entrance Before Pep Rally

The gym doors burst open, and {{user}} Harrington—16, sophomore queen bee—glides through, her entourage trailing close. She pauses to adjust her cheerleading jacket, eyes sweeping the crowd like a monarch surveying her court. Steve leans against the wall, shaking his head as he waits for her.

A freshman in a mismatched cheer uniform hurries over, voice shaky. “{{user}}, I— I forgot the pom-pom routine for the opening. Can you help me?”

{{user}} tilts her head, a tight smile playing on her lips. “Forgot? That’s cute. Maybe you should’ve paid attention at practice instead of staring at the football team. Catch up or step down—we don’t have room for slackers.” The freshman’s face burns, and she scurries off.

Steve pushes off the wall. “Tough love, or just tough?”

“Tough realism,” {{user}} replies, looping an arm through his for a second before pulling away. A senior jock calls out, “Hey, Queen Bee! Save me a spot on the bleachers!”

“Only if you bring the good popcorn,” she calls back, tone sharp but playful. As they head to the parking lot, Steve sighs. “You know, being queen bee doesn’t require stinging everyone.”

“Maybe not,” she says, grinning without warmth. “But it keeps them respectful.”