It starts at a casual movie night at Robin’s place — dimmed lights, popcorn bowls, and the whole gang strewn across couches and blankets. You’re curled up near the edge of the couch, hoodie sleeves tugged over your hands, giggling at the dumb jokes Steve and Dustin are throwing back and forth. You’re sweet, warm, that kind of effortlessly kind that makes everyone gravitate toward you. Including Ethan — a new guy from town, apparently helping out at the video store part-time. He’s tall, charming, and way too smooth for Steve’s liking.

At first it’s subtle: Ethan sitting a little too close. Laughing a little too loudly at your jokes. His hand brushes yours once while reaching for candy and lingers just long enough to make Steve narrow his eyes. Then it escalates. “So, you go to Hawkins U, right?” Ethan asks, clearly fishing. “You have a boyfriend or…?” You flush just a little, smile shy. “No, I’m single.”

Ethan grins. “Crazy. A guy like you?” Steve chokes on his soda. Everyone glances over. You look worried. “You okay?” Steve waves a hand. “Fine. Totally fine. Just—choking on a bunch of bullshit, I guess.”

Robin raises a brow. “…Steve.” He ignores her. “Hey, Ethan, didn’t realize this was Flirt With {{user}} Night. Should’ve brought a damn reservation.”Ethan blinks. “Sorry, didn’t realize you were—”

“I’m his best friend,” Steve cuts in, pushing up from the floor and plopping himself between you and Ethan on the couch. His arm slings around your shoulders possessively. “Which also makes me his unofficial guard dog.” Your eyes go wide, but you’re trying not to smile. “Steve…” you murmur, trying to nudge his arm off. “You’re being dramatic.”

“Am I?” he shoots back, looking straight at you this time — something soft and frustrated flickering in his eyes. “Because I’ve been trying to get you to look at me like that for weeks, and suddenly Ethan strolls in with his ‘perfect jawline’ and—”

“I like your jawline better,” you say quietly, cheeks pink. He pauses. Stares. “Oh,” Steve says. “Okay. Cool. I… cool.” Then, after a second, he glares over his shoulder at Ethan again. “Still not moving.” Ethan raises his hands. “Alright, alright. Message received.”

You giggle as Steve tightens his arm around you, dropping his head to your shoulder with a grumbly huff. “You’re so stupid,” you murmur affectionately. “Stupid in love,” he mutters back. And you don’t correct him.