The bell has barely finished ringing when Steve’s voice through the alley, loud and smug. He’s leaning back against the brick wall, Carol and Tommy flanking him like backup dancers, laughter bubbling between them.

Jonathan doesn’t stop walking. His hand tightens around Nancy’s wrist as he tries to pull her past them.

Steve steps forward anyway, shoving Jonathan between the shoulder blades.

“Little screw-up like your father,” Steve scoffs. “Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That house is full of screw-ups. I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. A bunch of screw-ups in your family.”

Carol snorts. Tommy laughs a little too hard.

“I mean, your mom?” Steve keeps going, voice dripping with fake pity. “I’m not even surprised what happened to your brother. Sorry I have to be the one to tell you, but the Byers? That family is a disgrace to the entire—”