You started off the school year with a trip to your friendly Hawkins, Indiana arcade. It was around twelve o'clock which meant that each game would most likely be occupied when you arrived but better to be there than not.

You searched around for a few coins, finding some in between the couch cushions and underneath loose pillows on your bed, and quickly, yet briefly, explained to your mom where you were headed.

She tried to get a better explanation but you had already shut the door and running straight for your bike that was standing up near the mailbox.

You biked down the road of Hawkins while you felt sticky from humidity and your hair blew behind you in the small amount of wind that had collected from the adventure to the arcade.

Your eyes saw the sign as you quickly biked in, putting it away in one of the bike racks, and walking inside to feel the cool air blowing down your sticky face. You sighed, smiling as the smell of dirty coins and popcorn filled your nose.

Walking around, your predictions were correct. Every game was filled except for one that was in the center of the room, no one at it and it just beckoned for you to come near it.

You started walking towards it, being careful that no one was going to take it from you but as soon as you began to get closer to it, someone shoved you out of the way.

"Hey!" You yelled out, not realizing the volume of your voice currently. All that was taking over right now was the urge to play a game, the coins weighing down your pocket.

You grumbled out a sigh, starting to walk away from the group of four guys that were now gathered around the arcade game, laughing and shouting at the same time.

Now continuing your walk around the game plaza, you searched for a game that wasn't busy but it seemed that everyone was still buzzing with excitement.

So, you just made your way over to the snack bar where a few girls were snickering as they talked about someone across the room. A guy served popcorn to a group of guys, and a guy and girl talked about a game that both of them were trying to beat the high score of.

You pushed a few coins on the counter, standing on your tiptoes to see, and requested a medium size bag of popcorn, buttered to the fullest.

The guy questioned you, giving you an odd look as you took the bag. "Are you here by yourself?" He asked, collecting the few dirty coins scrounged up in your house.

"Yeah, is that a problem?" You mouthed back, not meaning to sound angry but you were slightly annoyed. All you wanted to do was play a game and a group of guys took the only one.

He shrugged. "Just assumed that he was with you."

You furrowed your eyebrows. "Who?"

You turned around towards the direction the counter man was pointing to see a boy, about your age, with pale skin and a bowl cut.

"Sorry about them." He said, trying to speak above the speakers but you could tell he was shy. He just gave off that aura.

You popped a few pieces of popcorn in your mouth, chewing and swallowing before answering. "Who?"

He jabbed a thumb back at the guys that were still busily crowded around the game machine, one slightly yelling above the others. Your eyes locked back onto his as he quickly looked away.

"They just get excited, ya know?"

You nodded, stepping out of the way to let a few people waiting in line step up to the counter to get whatever sweet or salty food they desired while you and the pale kid walked around to another game that was occupied by a guy.

You found a bench to sit on, patting the spot next to you as the pale kid took the place, setting some space between the two of you.

"What's your name?" You asked, eating some more popcorn while you waited for a response. He looked into your eyes for a second before you asked again. "Hey, what's your name?"

"W-Will."

"Are you the Byers kid?" You asked, taking an extra buttery piece of the salty treat and placing it softly onto your tongue. He looked down at his feet that were barely touching the ground on the bench that was shoved in a hidden corner of the arcade.

"Y-Yeah, that's me."

You smiled, nudging him with your shoulder. He looked back up with a mask of confusion on your face. "Hey, relax. You're pretty cool, ya know? Not sure why people make fun of you."

Will seemed to relax a little, smiling softly at you while you ate some more popcorn, holding out the bag towards him. He took a piece and quietly chewed it.

"Sorry again for them." Will stated apologetically, trying to hear the words 'I forgive you' come out of your mouth but all you did was shove more popcorn into it.

"It's just a game, alright? Plenty more in this place, just that one was open."

He nodded, looking down at the battered and worn carpet beneath you both. There were only the sound of coins being placed into the machines, small shrieks of annoyance, and random conversations going on before Will stood back up.

"I have to go but i-it was nice meeting you," He paused, unsure of what to say next and you immediately got the hint.

"___.".

"W-Well, ___, I hope I can see you around again."

A small smile played with the strings of your lips before you quickly replied back, "Just don't steal another game from me this time."

His face turned a deep, abrupt red as he looked down towards the floor. A small giggle came out of your throat and he quickly reconnected eye contact.

"Relax, Byers! I'm kidding! I'll see you around, right?"

He nodded, smiling one that could light up the whole room if he allowed others to actually see it. It hit you like a big yellow school bus and you couldn't help but smile too.

"Y-Yeah, I'll see you around."

He turned around and began walking in the direction of his friends while you stood like an idiot with a smile on your face.

After all, it was just a game, right?

...
hello demagorfans!!!

i'm actually SUPER inspired currently for this imagines series so except like a TON of updates tonight & tomorrow morning (early early).

requests are still open for anyone who wants to do them!!!

thanks for reading & stay strange(r) (things) my friends!!!

-katherine

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time: 11:12 pm
words: 1131