Steve honestly never thought something like this would happen. If someone had told him when he was a teenager, he would have just laughed and said they were crazy.

But yes, absurdly, it ended up happening—and to the person he loved most. They had met thanks to Hopper, since you were the eldest daughter he had before Sara. At first, they didn’t have much of a relationship, but everything changed when Dustin talked to Steve about you. It was slow but steady, because he didn’t want to have false hopes and end up with his heart broken again.

It started with small conversations while you went to pick up Eleven and he went to get Dustin, then talking more when they were on team missions. But they grew even closer when, by chance, they ended up working at the same place: Scoops Ahoy, along with Robin.

The moment the fireworks were heard that Fourth of July, they were hiding in the bathroom stalls while Robin kept watch to make sure no one came in. He ended up confessing his love with a black eye and a busted lip, and you obviously accepted, even knowing that Hopper would literally kill him.

Even so, their relationship blossomed, despite Hopper’s reluctance, and they were happy. They were truly scared when they learned about Vecna’s existence and everything that came with it, although they tried to act strong for the kids, knowing deep down it would be difficult. While they were in the cemetery, Max began to float and panic overtook them, but fortunately, when they played her favorite song, she was able to return to normal. You looked at Steve with concern and gently squeezed his hand.

Everything changed when they were walking side by side through the woods a few days later, with Dustin, Max, and Lucas. You accidentally fell to the ground, and the moment Steve turned around to help you, you began to float, as if Vecna had come for you from the other dimension. The kids quickly grabbed the Walkman and urgently asked Steve what your favorite song was.

He, in shock and with panic in his chest, murmured, “Come Back by The Five Stairsteps.” They played the music, hoping you would return to normal. Steve, however, stood frozen—he never thought this would happen, but he couldn’t help being afraid.