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Perseverance
That's truly the only thing that's kept you going, the idea that you need to always be the best, outdo yourself and everyone else. You came from a long line of overachievers and you couldn’t be the only mediocre person in the family. It would be pathetic, they already worked you twice as hard as they did your brother.
You were forced to constantly live under his shadow not only in school but in the house as well.. You couldn’t blame your family completely for your hunger to succeed since for the most part It was more the pressure you felt towards myself. They want greatness but most importantly YOU want greatness and you'll be damned if you end up being the family disappointment. You can't let that happen and much less by the hands of that little bitch.
Now you might be thinking what little bitch could she possibly be talking about. shes talking about the one and only
Steve Harrington
He's only the worst person you’ve ever met in your whole life. Ever since 4th grade when he beat you at that damn spelling bee it's been war, he had the audacity to tell you that you were only a “second place, type of girl”
Since then you've both competed for about every little thing you possibly could go against each other with, Steve had always had a superiority complex even as a child he still acted as though he was better because he came from a wealthy family, his family has an extremely successful real estate company and that combined with his fathers political ties in Hawkins made him have the ego of a 21 year old frat boy at just 9 years old.
Once he kept progressing in age it just got so much worse. Every girl loved him and every guy wanted to be him, but you couldn't really blame them because one thing you could not deny is that Steve Harrington was hot, once he hit puberty it was like he got hit by a truck, he grew to be 5,11 with a perfect smile ( thanks to the braces he had as a child) and with his brown slightly wavy hair and captivating brown eyes People gravitated toward him effortlessly, he weaponized his looks to climb social ranks, surrounding himself with the most influential people he could find.
A part of you wanted to believe that after high school ended then so would your stupid little rivalry but God were you wrong, when you won valedictorian right after your speech Steve congratulated you with a sly grin only to hand you his own acceptance letter to Columbia University.
“You really shouldn’t have bragged so much about getting into Columbia,” he said, sliding the envelope into your hands. “Because I think you might be getting some… unwanted company there”
You opened it, reading the words: It is with great pleasure that we announce to you, Mr. Steve Harrington, your acceptance into Columbia University…
Your mouth fell open in disbelief and He leaned in, his voice low.
“Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll make sure to get you back for this in college. If you thought you’d seen the last of me, you’re greatly mistaken."He said this only inches away from you, his voice Low enough that only you could hear him, he winked at you and grabbed his acceptance letter from your hands before finally walking away.
He made sure to keep that promise all the way through, these past 4 years of college have been challenging for you to say the least. You chose to major in psychology only for him to choose the same path. Somehow you ended up seeing him even more at college than you used to back in high school.
Every class you had he was in it, and of course that meant that you the both of you kept competing with each other, you would make bets on who could fuck the classes curve the most.
Every single party you went to he was there with his frat boys, he would tell all the guys in the party how obsessed you were with him. Can you imagine that? You obsessed with HIM?! He made sure to make you seem like the most pathetic person on earth, he had everyone wrapped around his finger, it was appalling really and now that you're reaching an end soon it's only getting worse.
One of the main reasons you wanted to join Colombia to begin with was because of its prestigious honors club. This club was a golden ticket to anything you could dream of. If you get accepted here any internship you want is yours, the ivies were a buffet for masters and doctorates, it was a ticket into being a great doctor. They only start sending out invitations to people once they reach senior year and it's always the first day of the first semester when they only accept one person per concentration a year. If you didn't get in you would be on their block list permanently.
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“Y/n wake up” I heard Robin scream at me, cutting my sleep short, her voice was urgent and bright. She accompanied this by the light shake of her hands on my arms.
Robin was your roommate and best friend since middle school. You both started being friends almost immediately, you both quickly realized you shared a passion for music so naturally the both of you became fast friends, she got into band and you got into the school choir you were quite the match made in heaven. .
“I'm up Robin” you mumbled, swatting at her hands as she hovered over you.
“The letters are out” she said, holding a fancy looking envelope in her hand.
The envelope was a thick, cream-colored envelope, bound with a golden ribbon. At the center, a wax seal displayed the Honor Society’s crest. Your name, y/n , was written in elegant cursive along the side.
You grabbed the envelope from Robin's hand and looked at it carefully, you had been waiting for this moment for years. With deliberate slowness, you broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
“Congratulations Miss y/n we would like to formally announce that you've been selected as a candidate to be parts of Columbia's top Honor society club, with this being said your presence will be requested today at 1:00 PM at the south lawn Garden there we will hold a luncheon for all candidates and explain the requirements for admission…
Your table number is 2, once there sit down, feel free to get any drinks or food. Further information will be given once all participants arrive.
“OH MY GOD Y/N YOURE IN” Robin screamed as you finished reading the letter. She grabbed your arms and pulled you upright, bouncing both of you with an excited rhythm.
“Oh my best friend, she is so smart. She got invited with all the number ones..” Robin started singing while laughing and bouncing with you
You had been waiting for this moment for so long that it seemed like something out of fantasy for you. you had worked hard for this and if you were able to actually get into this you know you could get a full ride for graduate school, You threw your arms around Robin, hugging her tight. You kept bouncing until your legs gave out and you collapsed back onto the bed, grinning like an idiot.
She stopped bouncing and looked at you with a smirk.
“You know,” she said slyly, "we've gotta get you looking good for this lunch. I want you to look as best as you can for when Steve comes lurking around.” she says starting to get her hair and minimal makeup materials from her side of the dorm room. You rolled your eyes at her and chuckled a bit.
“You know that I have no interest in looking good for that asshole, I'm going to look my best to show them that they made the right decision in making me their candidate.. Plus I don't know if he even got elected” you told her with a shrug looking over the things she started to set up on the desk for her to use on you.
“Youre right I suppose but let me ask you something... If you don't care about how he perceives you then why do i always catch you stalking his instagram at night” She says, trying to stop herself from laughing but her eyes gave it away. Your cheeks turned a light shade of pink at the embarrassment of knowing she noticed that. You'd thought you'd been discreet
You knew you should have looked at it under the covers.. It wasn't in the way she was making it seem you were just checking on the competition, thats all.
“Please,” you said, feigning nonchalance, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
You told her matter of factly You took this moment to grab your shower caddy, and head towards the showers.
“I'm gonna shower. I trust that when I get back you'll make me look like a pretty princess " You tell Robin, sarcasm rolling off your voice. She gave you a quick chuckle and went back to lining her desk with makeup palettes and brushes.
This is going to be the beginning of something great.
After 2 hours of being treated like a show pony by Robin she finally stepped back with a satisfied grin.
“Now all that's left is finding the perfect outfit” Robin announces looking at you, admiring her own handy work
You had to admit that when Robin did your makeup you felt extremely beautiful.
“Dont worry about it, i already know exactly what im gonna wear for this” You told her, getting up from the bed and heading to the closet. You pulled out a new dress youd bought a few weeks ago.
The dress was stunning at least in your opinion. A sleek, form-fitting black piece straight out of the 1960s, with long elegant sleeves. It wasn’t short, but not exactly modest either. Paired with high boots, the look came together perfectly.
“Oh my god, that dress is beautiful, you might have to let me borrow that after you're done with this whole thing” Robin said as she moved closer to you to further examine the dress.
You carefully put on the dress. You had to do it with Robins help since you had to make sure that you didn't accidentally screw up your hair or makeup. The dress hugged your curves perfectly, it was tight in the right places and loose in the ones it needed to be, the overly long sleeves of the dress gave it a sense of elegance and class whilst the boots contrasted it by making it feel young and lively. It was perfect for the event.
A glance at the clock told you it was already 12:15. Perfect. Not too early, not too late. Just right not desperate, not disinterested.
“ Okay i gotta get going, i love you, wish me luck Robin” You hug her
“You don't need luck, you got this thing in the bag i assure you” She says hugging you back just as tight
With that, you grabbed your bag, you gave yourself one last look in the mirror, and left the dorm. you were officially on your way to the luncheon.
Of course, the moment you stepped outside, the universe decided to test you.
“Oh, didn’t you hear? Halloween was months ago, What’s with the outfit? ” came Steve's voice, followed by the snickers of his friends.
“For fuck’s sake, its called style you moron” you muttered under your breath, quickening your pace to get out of earshot.
“Oh, come on, Don’t run away from me. Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Steve teased, jogging up beside you.
“None of your business,” you said flatly, keeping your eyes forward. You weren't about to play whatever game he thought this was.
“ Well ill let you know where im going… just because i want to be the first to witness you cry when you find this out” he said, grabbing your shoulder and forcing you to look at him. He pulled out an identical letter to the one you'd received that morning.
“I guess I've finally won, huh? No way someone so low on the social ladder could’ve gotten one. They only pick the best of the best social and academic” His grin was infuriating.
You scoffed, and pulled your own letter from your bag, you opened it, and shoved it right in his face.
“Suck it, loser,” you said, sliding it back into your bag and walking past him.
“Oh, fuck off,” was the last thing you heard before his voice faded behind you.
Once you finally got to the ceremony, you had to admit it was everything you'd ever dreamed of and more. The area was lit by garden and fairy lights that danced against the trees, and white and yellow flowers covered the garden beds. Every table was draped in white and black cloths with large floral vases sitting at the center of the big circular tables. Five long tables were covered in finger foods, everything from shrimp to tiny sandwiches. A violinist played passionately in the yard, keeping the atmosphere calm even over all the chatter from excited contestants scattered between their tables and the catering area. Each table seated four people, and every chair had a name tag marking where you were supposed to sit.
After a quick search for your table, you finally found it right near a small arena. As soon as you got there, you noticed the seats were arranged in pairs on each side of the table, almost like they were meant to group people into teams. Strange.
You were quickly brought out of your thoughts by the annoying voice next to you
“ Am I dreaming or is it you y/n, what a coincidence you somehow has a seat at my table. You must really be obsessed with me.” Steve's obnoxious grin spread across his face.
“Yeah it's me, don't cream your pants. You know I have no control over this,” You said, not even bothering to look at him.
Then you glanced at the name on the chair beside yours, and your worst nightmare came true.
Steve Harrington. Written in cursive. Right next to yours.
“Fuck,” you whispered under your breath.
You snatched the name card and shoved it into Steve's chest. He looked at it, then at you with a questioning expression.
“Your seat’s next to mine. Switch it with the one on the other side of the table,” you said, deadpan.
“What? No. I’m not moving anything. They probably arranged these seats on purpose. We’ll just have to tolerate each other. And you should be fine with that, I’m the one stuck next to you.” He shot you a side-eye and took his seat.
you didn’t bother responding. You sat down next to him, silently praying someone else would show up and break the tension.
As if summoned, someone did. A man approached, and he was beautiful. Tall, maybe as tall or taller than Steve. His skin was a warm pale with a smooth complexion. His deep brown eyes were framed by long lashes, and his hair, a silky brown, fell in a wavy mess that somehow worked perfectly. He wore a white button-up with what looked like a clip-on bowtie, black pants, and a denim jacket that pulled the whole outfit together.
You made eye contact as he reached the table and you immediately knew who it was, but before you could say anything cuts in immediately.
“Well, shit if it isn’t Jonathan Byers,” Steve said, standing to offer his hand.
Jonathan hesitated slightly but took the handshake.
“Its really nice to see you again y/n” Jonathan said, turning his attention to me.
Before you could speak, Steve jumped in. “Oh, I didn't know you knew my little stalker.”
Your cheeks flushed. Of course he’d do that. Anytime someone shows the slightest interest in talking to you and he’s around, he makes sure to humiliate you. It’s not enough that he tells everyone on campus how much of a freak I supposedly am; he does it right to my face.
You looked away to avoid giving him the satisfaction.
Jonathan glanced at you anyway and extended his hand. “Im really happy to have a chance to speak again, it's been a while,” he said with a warm smile.
You lifted your head, surprised, and returned the smile. “How's the family doing?”
“Good. My mom’s working too much like always. Will’s into some new art phase. Our house smells like paint 24/7 and Hoppers been on Jane like crazy, saying she's spending too much time focused on Mike, it’s actually pretty funny”
You laughed. “Sounds about right.”
The conversation slipped into place easily. It was natural and comfortable.
Jonathan had this way of listening that made you feel like the only person in the world. Like your words actually mattered.
Steve, meanwhile, went very still when Steve saw that exchange, his grin evaporated. His jaw tightened, annoyed Jonathan had been treating you so warmly, he doesn't know what the background with you and him was but he didn't like this at all he could have sworn he only saw you both interact briefly during high school .
Before the silence could stretch too long, another figure approached the table.
A girl wearing a long black dress, loose and elegant. Soft waves in her hair lipstick the color of crushed cherries.
It was Nancy Wheeler.
She slid into the seat beside Jonathan like she belonged there Like the universe had placed her specifically to complicate your life.
“Hi,” she said politely, offering a small smile, Jonathan immediately shifted a little closer to her, instinctively making room.
Nancy was beautiful in that classic, untouchable way. Shes effortlessly composed. Steve noticed her too.
“Nancy Wheeler,” he said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
She smiled. “Guess the honor society couldn’t resist me.”
He huffed a soft laugh. “Yeah, that tracks. You've always been incredibly smart.”
Their voices went lighter like it was familiar, Nancy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and Steve leaned a little closer a little bit too close.
Your fingers tightened around your napkin.
you turned back to Jonathan with extra brightness.
“So,” you said, leaning in a little, “are you still doing photography? You always had such a good eye for that.”
Jonathan blinked, then smiled shyly. “Yeah. I actually just got a piece into the campus exhibit.”
“Oh my god Jonathan you sneaky minx, that’s amazing,” you said, touching his arm without thinking. “You have to show me.”
Steve’s laugh across the table faltered. Just slightly he was noticing everything.
Nancy was saying something to him, but he wasn’t looking at her anymore. He was looking at your hand on Jonathan’s arm.
Jonathan moved his head slightly. “I mean, it’s nothing big—”
“It is big,” you insisted. “You’re ridiculously talented. I always thought so at least, and now everyone else can see that too.”
Steve’s chair creaked.
Steve forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Didn’t know you two were such good friends.”
He wanted to sound casual but there was an edge to the way he said them, a tension that you knew you couldn't deny.
Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck. “We talked a bit before. She helped me with stats a few times, my mom used to love having her over.”
“Yeah,” you said lightly. “Unlike some people, Jonathan actually appreciates my intelligence."
Steve scoffed. “Please. I appreciate your brain. You're just annoying”
Nancy laughed softly at that.
Your stomach twisted harder; you hated how pretty she looked next to him, you didn't know what it was but something about seeing them interact left a bitter taste in your mouth. So instead of dwelling on that feeling you dwell on Jonathan you laughed louder at his shy jokes and paid all your attention to him.
Steve on the other hand leaned closer to Nancy.
Your knee bumped Jonathan’s under the table.
Steve’s hand brushed Nancy’s when they both reached for the same glass.
Jonathan, sweet and oblivious, kept talking about his photography but Nancy, she watched everything like she was watching a movie.
And you and Steve? The both of you kept stealing glances at each other
the microphone screeched, catching your attention. Everyone flinched as the Faculty began stepping onto the stage. The ceremony was about to begin.
“Good afternoon, candidates,” the woman began, her voice stern and official. “First, congratulations. Simply being here means you are the top of your respective concentrations.”
A polite wave of applause rolled through the tables. Steve leaned back in his chair beside you, arms crossed. “Top of the class,” he muttered. “Guess they threw you a bone letting you in.”
You didn’t look at him. “If anyone was thrown a bone here it's you, you're the campus manwhore after all, wouldn't be surprised if you slept your way to the top.
He clicked his tongue. “Youre so mean… and so obsessed with me god, you almost sound jealous.”
You kicked his shin under the table, He hissed slightly. This makes you let out a small chuckle
The woman continued “As you all know, traditionally the Honor Society admits one student per concentration.”
Your stomach tightened, This was it, four years of sleepless nights. Flashcards. Coffee that tasted like battery acid. Your parents’ expectations perched on your shoulders.
“One student,” she repeated.
Steve muttered, "it'll obviously be me.”
You muttered back, “In your dreams, Harrington.”
Then she smiled, “But this year, we’ve decided to try something… new.”
A ripple of confused whispers spread across the lawn.
“Due to the growing emphasis on collaboration in modern research and clinical practices, the board has voted to allow two candidates per concentration to be admitted.”
Your heart jumped.
Two, Two meant—
You and Steve both froze.
“…however,” she added sweetly, “admission will only count if both candidates succeed together.”
Silence as she clasped her hands.
“You will be working in assigned pairs. The partner seated directly next to you at this luncheon is now your official academic partner for the remainder of the evaluation process.”
Partner. Next to you.
Slowly you turned your head, Steve was already staring at you.
“No,” you both said at the same time.
Around you, chairs scraped and voices rose.
“What do you mean partners?”
“Is this a joke?”
“That’s not fair—”
The woman kept going, unfazed.
“Your projects, interviews, case studies, and final evaluations will be graded jointly. If one fails, both fail. If one drops out, both are disqualified.”
Jointly. You. And Steve. For the whole semester.
You pressed your fingers to your temple. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Steve dragged both hands down his face. “This is actual torture. This is targeted harassment, I’m being punished for being hot and brilliant.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” you snapped. “They paired me with you. I’m the victim here.”
He stared at you. “You think I want this? Do you know how stressful it is being tied academically to someone who color-codes their note?”
“At least I have notes, frat boy.”
“I have notes!”
“Doodles don’t count, you just draw stupid doodles, I've seen your book harrington!”
Across the table, Jonathan blinked between you two like he was watching a tennis match.
Nancy, leaned over and whispered something to him.
You caught Jonathan giving you a small, sympathetic wince, Then your eyes flicked down.
Their name cards. Jonathan Byers and next to his Nancy Wheeler
Of course they got paired together like some soft indie film montage while you got stuck in purgatory with Steve Harrington.
Steve followed your gaze.
“…Byers and Nancy?” he muttered.
Jonathan gave an awkward half-wave. “Guess we’re partners.”
Nancy offered a warm smile. “Looks like it.”
Steve groaned. “They get the emotionally stable pairing and I get my lifelong nemesis.”
You scoffed. “Emotionally stable? What are you even talking about?”
He pointed at them. “They look normal. We look like we’re about to shoot each other.”
“Don’t tempt me Harringtion.”
The faculty member continued listing expectations, but you barely heard it over the roaring in your ears, Group research. Weekly evaluations, Mandatory partner attendance, Your future… tied to him.
Steve slumped back in his chair.
“This is the worst day of my life,” he muttered.
“You say that every time you get a B+,” you said.
“This is worse. Now if you tank something I go down with you.”
You whipped your head toward him. “If I tank? You’re the liability here!”
He leaned closer, voice low and sharp. “Sweetheart, I carry every single group I'm in.”
“Yeah? Oh please you couldn’t even carry your half of that biology lab last year.”
“That microscope was broken!”
You glared at each other, noses almost touching. The air between you felt like a live wire. You were annoyed and felt that stupid, familiar spark that made everything hotter and louder and too close.
Steve pulled back first, throwing his head toward the sky.
“Great. I’m chained to this disaster all semester”
You crossed your arms.
“Don’t worry. I’ll drag you across the finish line if I have to, I'm not failing because of you.”
He smirked sideways at you. “Bold of you to assume I won't be the one bringing your sorry ass to the finish line.”
Your heart thumped, fast you hated that stupid smirk, hated how confident he looked, hated how good he looked doing it.
Steve sighed.
“So, partner,” he said dryly
You forced a tight smile “Try to keep up, Harrington.”
And somewhere deep in your chest, beneath the dread and irritation, something else flickered.
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The novelty of senior year was gone, replaced with color-coded calendars, caffeine dependency, and the ever-present weight of the partnership. Mid-semester hit like a truck. Assignments stacked like towers. Case studies. Joint presentations. Mandatory partner meetings that somehow always turned into arguments Or yelling
Or worse.
Thinking he looked unfairly good while he was explaining the most mundane things to you
You stabbed your fork into your pasta like it had been the one causing all this stress
Robin watched from across the dining hall table, chin in her hand.
“You’re doing it again,” she said.
“Doing what?”
“Violently attacking your lunch like it killed your first born.”
“The pasta knows what it did.”
Robin snorted. “Things with Steve going that bad?”
You groaned and dropped your fork. “I might end up on a true crime podcast.”
Before she could respond, someone slid into the empty chair beside you.
“Mind if I sit?”
You looked up.
Jonathan.
Camera bag slung over his shoulder. Hair slightly messy like he’d run his hands through it too many times.
Your shoulders relaxed instantly.
“Jonathan, hi,” you smiled. “Yeah, of course.”
Robin wiggled her fingers. “Byers. You look sleep-deprived. Love that for you.”
“Thanks,” he said dryly. “Always a pleasure speaking with you Robin.” Jonathan teased
He set his tray down and glanced between you two.
“So… how’s it going with Steve”
You let out a long, theatrical sigh and dropped your forehead onto the table.
Jonathan blinked. “That bad?”
“Worse,” you muffled into the plastic.
Robin leaned toward him conspiratorially. “She’s legally bonded to Harrington. Like some type of kinky arranged marriage.”
Jonathan chuckled softly. “Still paired with Steve, huh?”
You lifted your head. “Unfortunately. They won’t let us switch partners unless someone drops out. And if one of us drops, we both get blacklisted so they basically told us we’re stuck.”
Jonathan winced. “Yikes.”
“Yup. Yikes indeed,” you repeated.
He picked at his fries for a second, then said casually, “Nancy and I lucked out, I guess. It’s been… nice. Working together.”
You smiled. “Yeah, you two seemed pretty chill about it.”
He nodded, a little shy.
“We actually, um… started dating. A few weeks ago.”
Your brain did a tiny record scratch.
“…Dating?”
“Yeah.”
Nancy. Dating Jonathan. Your fork froze midair.
You tried to keep your face normal. Casual. Cool. Robin notices and she scrunches her face up slightly
“Oh. Wow. That’s… great. That’s really great. I'm happy for you guys.”
Meanwhile in your head:
Wait. Didn’t Nancy have a thing for Steve?
Didn’t Jonathan kinda… maybe… have a thing for me?
Did I hallucinate that entire lunch, or are my delusion levels just reaching new highs
Robin shot you a quick sideways glance like she could hear the windows error noise in your brain.
Jonathan smiled softly. “Yeah. It just sort of… happened.”
You nodded too fast. “No yeah totally. Love happens. Dating. Very normal cool stuff.” You rambled for way too long
Robin kicked you under the table.
Ow.
Jonathan tilted his head. “So… tell me more about this Steve situation”
And that.
That question cracked something open.
You sat up straight immediately. “Horrible.”
Both of them blinked.
“Absolutely horrible,” you continued, words spilling out faster now. “He’s impossible. He argues about everything. He rewrites my notes. He shows up late to meetings and then somehow still gets the answers right. He keeps stealing my highlighters. Who steals highlighters, only a sick person would do that Jonathan”
“Wow, you most really like highlighters ” Jonathan offered gently.
“Exactly.” You say until you catch on to the sarcasm on his voice “Wait no, not my point, the point is Steve sucks”
Robin was already grinning.
“And he’s so—” you gestured wildly with your hands “—so smug all the time. And he leans over my shoulder when we’re working and his cologne is distracting and he keeps touching my arm when he talks and—”
You stopped.
Robin and Jonathan were staring at you.
Slowly.
Knowingly.
Like two scientists observing a very obvious experiment.
“…What?” you snapped.
Robin looked at Jonatha and Jonathan looked at Robin.
They shared that look.
That silent oh my
You narrowed your eyes. “Are you doing that weird thing people do when they’re having like silent conversations in their heads with each other, don’t do that, guys you know I hate that”
Jonathan smiled, soft and careful. “Can I say something without you getting mad?”
“No.”
He said it anyway.
“You two are kind of… cute.”
You choked. “Excuse me, Jonathan, are you really switching up on me right now?”
Robin nodded vigorously. “Painfully cute. Like, rom-com levels. It’s disgusting.”
“That is the most offensive thing anyone has ever said to me like genuinely I think it might make me sick.”
“I’m serious,” she continued. “Every time I see you together it’s like watching the ugly truth but with more swearing and WWE types of crash outs.”
“No we fight, it's toxic, not cute"
“You bicker,” she corrected.
“He’s insufferable!”
“You blush when you talk about him,” Jonathan added gently.
“Nah-uh”
“You’re literally red right now,” Robin said.
Heat crawled up your neck.
Traitors both of them
Jonathan leaned forward. “It’s just… you don’t talk about anyone else like that.”
“That’s because no one else ruins my life like he does!”
Robin pointed her fry at you. “Sweetie. That’s not hatred. That’s unresolved sexual tension with a GPA, he makes you horny.”
You stared at her.
At Jonathan.
Back at her.
“Is this some type of sick intervention, this is genuinely a hate crime” you declared.
Jonathan laughed quietly. “I’m just saying… it’s pretty obvious you both care. Even if it comes out sideways”
“That man is gonna be the love of your like mark my words” Robin said
“Steve Harrington does not care about me.”
Robin raised an eyebrow. “He skipped the hottest frat party of the semester to help you finish that neuro project.”
“He just wants to get into the honor society”
“He carried your backpack all week because you were complaining of back pain"
“He told me he had to do it because I was too weak”
“He glared at that guy who asked for your number,” Jonathan added.
“…He what?”
They both just stared at you.
You opened your mouth. Then Closed it. You started to think about it, really think about it
The way Steve always saved you a seat.
The way he stayed up late to practice presentations with you.
The way he looked weirdly tense whenever someone flirted with you.
The way he said your name softer when you were tired.
Nope nope nope, absolutely not.
You grabbed your tray. “I’m leaving.”
Robin gasped. “Denial, that my friend is stage one!”
“I am NOT in denial!”
Jonathan smiled into his drink. “Sure.”
“You’re both delusional.”
“Text me when you realize we’re right,” Robin called.
“I will be doing no such thing”
You stormed off.
But halfway across the dining hall, your steps slowed. Their words stuck to you like static. Meant to be.
A tiny, traitorous part of you wondered what Steve was doing right no and whether he’d already eaten lunch if he would have saved you a seat if you had asked him
You groaned at yourself and kept walking.
This was ridiculous.
By the time next week rolled around Robin and Jonathan’s words were still echoing loudly in your brain
All this Steve Propaganda was starting to get to you
Everywhere you looked, there he was. A guy with brown hair laughing across the quad. Steve.
Someone wearing his stupid cologne passing by. Steve.
A varsity jacket on a chair. Steve.
It was like your brain had been infiltrated by Harrington and it was killing you
You tried studying. Failed, Tried reading. The words turned into his name, Tried napping. Dreamt about arguing with him.
“This is torture,” you muttered into your pillow.
Fate had one last joke planned because at 6:00 PM sharp, you had to meet him at His dorm. The two of you alone. For your joint research project.
Fantastic.
So here you were standing outside Steve Harrington’s door.
You knocked hesitantly
Immediately you heard, “It’s open, nerd.”
You rolled your eyes and stepped inside. His room looked… annoyingly clean. Bed made, desk organized and notes stacked. You expected chaos instead his room looked better than yours
Steve was sitting at his desk chair backwards, arms folded over the backrest like some movie heartthrob if were an actor you knew girls would line up for him.
He was wearing a grey sweatshirt, his hair messy with a pair of glasses perched low on his nose while he flipped through your shared binder.
Glasses You almost stumbled.
Since when did he wear glasses? And why do they look so good on him
“You’re late,” he said without looking up.
“I’m three minutes early.”
“Well you should have been here 5 minutes earlier instead of 3 ”
“Shut up.”
He smirked. That stupid damn smirk
“C’mere,” he said, patting the bed beside him. “Let’s go over the case study before you butcher it.”
“I don’t butcher things.”
“You color-code things like a maniac. That's essentially the same vibe, only seriel killers color code”
You sat as far away from him as physically possible. Which meant half your body was basically hanging off the mattress.
Steve glanced at the space between you.
“You planning on not doing anything or is this like some type of new anti-Steve boundary?”
“I just like personal boundaries."
“Personal boundaries? What boundaries, You literally stole my coffee last week and laid on my bed for 20 minutes last week .”
“That day was an exception”
“Sure.”
You focused on the papers.
Don’t look at him.
Don’t notice how his sleeve rides up when he writes, don’t pay attention to the way his bicep keeps flexing slightly every so often.
Don’t think about what Robin and Jonathan said.
You scooted further away.
Steve stopped writing.
“Okay,” he said slowly. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re being weird”
“I’m always weird.”
“Yeah but not like this, this is weirder than usual”
Silence. Your heart thudding too loud.
He leaned closer.
You immediately leaned back.
He caught it.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“…Are you avoiding me?”
“No.”
“You literally just scooted away when I got closer.”
“It’s called fixing my posture.”
“Bullshit.”
Your patience snapped like a rubber band.
“Can we just work?”
“Not until you tell me what your deal is.”
“I don’t have a deal!”
“Y/n.”
God, the way he said your name Soft but Firm. Not teasing this time but demanding
It cracked something.
You slammed the binder shut.
“What is your problem with me?”
The words came out sharper than how you meant them too
Steve blinked. “What?”
“What is your problem?” you repeated, voice shaking now. “What game are you playing at with me?”
“I’m not—”
“Don’t lie to me!”
Your chest felt tight. Too tight.
“All these years you’ve been messing with me, competing with me, humiliating me, showing up everywhere I go like some— like some curse. You flirt and then you’re mean and then you act like you hate me and then you’re nice and I—”
Your voice cracked.
“I don’t get it,” you whispered. “What game have you been playing with me since we were kids, why are you confusing me so much…?”
Silence filled the room.
Steve stared at you like you’d slapped him.
“I’m not playing at anything l/n,” he said.
“Bullshit, Harrington.”
“I’m not”
“Then what is it?! Because people don’t act like this unless it’s some fucked up jok—”
“It’s not a joke”
“Then what is it Steve”
He stood up abruptly.
Ran a hand through his hair and Started pacing
“You really don’t get it?” he muttered.
“Get what?!”
He stopped.
Looked at you And for once, Steve Harrington didn’t look smug or cocky or teasing, he looked genuine he looked… scared.
“I’ve had a thing for you since we were like ten,” he blurted.
The room went still.
“…What?”
“I liked you, okay?” he said, voice rough. “Since forever. Since that stupid spelling bee when you corrected the teacher’s pronunciation and everyone clapped and I just—”
He laughed bitterly.
“I thought you were incredible. Smart. Bossy. Scary. You never needed anyone. You just… walked into rooms like you owned it.”
You felt like your brain stopped functioning, your stomach dropped
“I didn’t know how to talk to you,” he continued. “You were always ahead of me. Smarter than me. So I did the only thing I knew you’d respond to.”
Your stomach dropped.
“Competition.”
He nodded.
“If I challenged you, you’d look at me. You’d pay attention. You’d fight me. And at least then you were focused on me.”
Your heart slammed against your ribs.
“That’s insane,” you whispered.
“Yeah,” he said tiredly. “I know.”
He rubbed his face.
“I didn’t know how to be anything else. My dad only ever cared when I won something. So I figured… if I kept beating you, or pushing you, getting under your skin… you’d stay.”
Then he added, quieter, guilty:
“And Jonathan.”
“What about Jonathan”
“I just— God, okay, listen. It wasn’t some evil mastermind thing. I just… noticed stuff.”
“Noticed stuff,” you repeated.
“Yeah,” he said, frustrated. “Like at the honors lunch.”
You blinked. “What do you mean?”
“That day,” he said. “When we first got paired.”
His voice softened.
“You remember when Jonathan showed up?”
You did remember the handshake. The smiles. The way you lit up.
“I saw how you looked at him,” Steve said quietly. “You don’t look at people like that. You looked… nervous. And soft. You kept tucking your hair behind your ear. You only do that when you’re flustered.”
Your stomach flipped.
“You were laughing at everything he said,” he continued. “And he kept staring at you like you’re perfect or something and I just…”
He exhaled sharply.
“…I hated it, I'd never felt that jealous before,” he admitted. “It made me feel sick. Like actually sick. So when Nancy mentioned she thought he was cute, I might have encouraged her to… peruse him”
“You encouraged her,” you echoed.
“I may have… aggressively encouraged it.”
“How?”
“I might’ve locked them in the library together ‘by accident.’”
You stared.
“I might’ve told Nancy he liked photography dates.”
“Steve!.”
“I might’ve told Jonathan she thought he was deep and mysterious.”
“Unbelievable.”
“And then I may have bailed on group study so they’d be alone.”
“You are actually insane, like genuinely clinically insane,” you said, half horrified, half stunned.
“I KNOW,” he snapped, then immediately deflated. “I know. I know, okay? It was pathetic. I was pathetic.”
His voice cracked on the last word that shut you up quick.
“I just… panicked,” he said softer. “Because every time you like someone, you stop paying as much attention to me.”
Your heart stuttered.
“And I know I don’t deserve your attention,” he rushed out, “but I didn’t want to disappear for you. I didn’t want to just be background noise.”
“You were never background noise,” you whispered before you could stop yourself.
He looked at you then like you’d just handed him oxygen.
“I’m sorry,” he said again, firmer this time. “Not in a joke way. Not in a ‘haha I suck’ way. I’m actually sorry. I messed with your life because I was jealous and that’s not fair to you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Your throat tightened.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he continued. “I shouldn’t have treated you like some prize to win or something. You’re not a game. You’re not a trophy. You’re just… you. And you deserved better than me being a dumb, insecure jerk for eleven years.”
“You really were a jerk,” you muttered.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Massive one. Historic levels like Disney villain levels.”
“You called me a stalker.”
“I was projecting.. clearly.”
“You told people I was obsessed with you.”
“I was hoping you were...”
“Steve.”
“I know. I sucked. I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry.”
For the first time Steve looked almost awkward, too many feelings shown on full display for you to see
“I never hated you,” he said quietly. “Not once. Even when we fought. Even when you beat me. I was just… trying to keep up with you.”
Your brain was screaming because this should be terrifying. You should be running to the hills, he was showing Red flags. Alarm bells. Police sirens even but…
All you could think about was:
He’s liked me since we were kids.
He noticed everything.
He cared that much.
Unbelievably attractive.
Steve stepped closer. Careful. Almost like he was approaching a scared kitten
“I’m not messing with you,” he said quietly. “I never was. I just… really fucking like you. Always have..”
Your throat went dry.
“You’re such an idiot,” you whispered.
“Yeah,” he breathed.
“And a complete psycho.”
“Probably.”
“And you ruined, like, three potential love interest .”
“In my defense,” he muttered, “none of them were me.”
You let out the smallest laugh
He smiled, soft and hopeful.
“I’ll fix it,” he said. “Whatever you want ill do whatever you need. Just… forgive me”
Your chest hurt.
“ I hate you,” you whispered.
“I know,” he said gently.
But neither of you moved away.
And the space between you felt smaller than it ever had before and you couldn’t take it anymore, you stood up, now being face to face with him, your bodies barely having any distance between them.
You close the distance between the two of you, just one little peck and then you pull away, he looks at you face flushed and eyes full of surprise
“Did… you just kiss me”
You nod your head shyly, he looks at you intently, getting close to you again, and he closes the distance between the two of you once again but this time it’s not a simple peck, his plump lips moving against yours with a new found passion and hunger.
You moan into the kiss, you hadn’t expected this level of desire from him and being able to have him be this way towards you left you weak in the knees and wet in your panties.
The dress you had decided to wear suddenly seemed to find purpose in the form of Steve’s hand wandering under it, he grabbed your ass with boy hands, one hand in one check his other hand on the other, feeling his touch on your skin was enough to have you drunk on him.
You break the kiss to catch your breath but stay in his imprace, you can see him so clearly, you had been close to him before but this time it was different you were no longer looking at him the way you looked at him before this time you really saw him, his beautiful brown eyes that you had never noticed had hints of hickory color in them, his hair that was always neatly placed was wild on his head from all the times he had ran his hands through it. He was the most beautiful man you’ve ever laid eyes on.
He stared at you and gave you a more possessive squeeze, making you moan in surprise
“That’s the prettiest sound I’ve ever heard” he says voice low and dripped in lust
“I bet you can make me sing a symphony of pretty little sounds” you say leaning close to his face, hands on his strong chest.
“Are you sure, we don’t have to rush anything”
“I’ve spent the last week with only one thing in my mind, you. So many sleepless nights spend because even in my dreams you follow me, you have consumed my mind and soul” you tell him
“You’ve been my every fantasy and need since I was a teenager, you’ve been the person I’ve yearned for my whole life and I ask if you’re ready because I know that once’s im in you I won’t stop until the only thing you can say is my name”
He doesn’t wait for your reply, he takes action, he motions you to lay on the bed and you do as you're told for the first time in all the years you’ve known each other. This is the first time you actually follow his instructions, and he loves seeing this new side of you.
“If I knew you’d be this much of a good girl, I would have spilled my heart out sooner” he says as he presses kisses on your collarbone
His kisses felt soft and exciting on your warm skin, you were in bliss feeling his touch on your sensitive skin.
His arms found your inner thighs quickly, his fingers trace your inner thigh making you feel goosebumps of anticipation. His hand kept creeping towards your center until it found it, but he was still gentle with his touch. With his fingertips he gently made his way over your clothed pussy. He touched your folds gently making your skin shiver
“Steve” you moan out his name slipping effortlessly from your mouth
“Don’t say my name like that… if you do I’ll have to stick my cock in you right now” Steve says his voice in a tone hadn’t heard before, there was too much need, too much hunger in it.
“Maybe that’s what I want” you said voice suggestive
“Oh is that so baby, you want me to just put it in, so desperate for me aren’t you” as he says this he gets up from being hovered over you and he take off his jeans and shirt, leaving him only in his underwear As you see him take off his clothes, you slide off your panties and and bring your dress down a bit exposing your chest for him to see.
Steve’s body could only be described as God-like, if he were a God you would sell all your livelihood and move to a temple to pray to him. His body had an athletic build but nothing over the top, his v-line is sharp and it makes a good leeway towards cock, his bulge was huge, you could see the tip of his penis through the waistband, his pink tip peeking out.
You open up your legs more and Steve positions himself between your legs, he slowly pulls down his underwear and his dick quickly springs out, it was even bigger than you had originally thought when seeing him in his underwear. He grabs his cock and positions it on your entrance
“God you’re perfect” he says as he rubs his tip on your folds gently pushing his tip in and out, making you feel bliss having him tease you with his cock
“Please” you beg, you didn’t care if it was pathetic you needed him
He places a hand close to your hip and gives you a good thrust, you moan instantly feeling him stretch you out. On instinct you put your legs around him
He’s now thrusting into you hard and fast leaving you on the bridge of collapse, every thrust was harder than the last, you could feel his cock hit parts of you that you didn’t know any man could reach.
“Baby I’m gonna cum” you breathe out
“Good baby, cum on my cock, we can do it together” he says his breathe hitching slightly, he kept going in and out until he felt like he couldn’t take it anymore, you were so wet that his cock could easily skip in and out, he’s never felt pleasure like this before.
It only took the two of you 10 more seconds until you both had come completely undone on one another. Steve quickly cleaned you up and gave you one of his shirts for you to get comfortable in, when he got on the bed again he attacked you with cuddles. The both of you were up for hours talking and watching movies.
As you drift off in Steve’s arms you can’t help but to think of robin's words, that bitch was right. Steve Harrington is the love of your life.