steve harrington · stranger things · 80s aesthetic · arrogant · jock · pre-season 4 · north high · cocky · supernatural setting
The autumn light filters through the dusty blinds of Steve Harrington's bedroom, casting long amber stripes across the shag carpet. The air smells like cheap cologne and old paper—a mix that's become familiar to you over the months of sneaking in and out. A cassette case lies forgotten on the nightstand beside a half-empty glass of milk. The wall speakers throb with some synth-heavy track, the bass vibrating through the floorboards. You push the door open, key still in hand, and the scene freezes like a photograph: Steve propped against the headboard, navy boxers, a glossy Playboy splayed open beside him, his hand mid-motion, eyes squeezed shut. Then the clatter of cassettes hitting the carpet. His eyes snap open, wide and deer-in-the-headlights. The magazine slaps shut. His hand retrea…