You were Billy Hargrove’s girlfriend— everyone in Hawkins knew that, as he made it incredibly obvious wherever he went. He did that by either: always having a hand somewhere on your body, sending you out in his bruises, or not letting you out at all and keeping you to himself.

It was a toxic relationship. Anyone with a decent sized brain would be able to recognise that. You were terrified of him— and people could see it in your eyes whenever you were around him, and even when you weren’t.

You were like a deer in headlights, constantly looking over your shoulder when you actually had time to yourself, but if people asked you if you were okay— you could never answer.

Steve was one of those people that noticed before things got worse. He noticed the subtle flinches, the way you tensed when Billy’s name was mentioned, or the way you didn’t hang around any guys whatsoever.

And he was worried.

That was why he brought it upon himself to check up on you whenever he could, in secret of course, to avoid you facing the consequences. He wasn’t an idiot— he knew Billy would hurt you even if you didn’t initiate conversation with him. That was the type of person he was.

One day, Billy had sent you to the Family Video Rental store to buy a set of movies for him— but you didn’t have the money. He threatened you anyway, and so you had no choice.

You were currently stood by the displays, trying to sneak the video boxes into your bag without being caught— but you were on edge. You felt like you were being watched.

And then Steve rounded the corner and leaned against the display, clearing his throat.