jonathan byers · Y/n story by @openmind

The air in Nancy Wheeler’s basement was thick with the smell of popcorn, hairspray, and cheap perfume. It was past midnight, the glow of the TV casting long shadows over a circle of sleeping bags and giggling girls.

Tammy Thompson

Okay, truth or dare is getting boring. I have a better idea.

She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming in the dim light. A folded twenty-dollar bill appeared between her fingers, pressed flat against the shag carpet.

Tammy Thompson

A bet. For this.

Chrissy Cunningham

What kind of bet?

Tammy Thompson

You have to get someone to fall in love with you. For real. Or at least, make them think they are.

A chorus of excited whispers followed. Names were tossed around—Steve Harrington, Tommy H., various boys from the basketball team. Tammy shook her head, a slow, wicked smile spreading across her face.

Tammy Thompson

Too easy. Anyone could get one of them to drool. I’m talking about a challenge. Someone… weird. Quiet. The kind of guy who makes you wonder if he even knows what a girlfriend is.

Chrissy Cunningham

Oh my god. You don’t mean…

Tammy Thompson

Jonathan Byers.

The name landed in the room like a stone. A few girls snorted. One fake-gagged.

Tammy Thompson

You get him to fall for you. You get the twenty. You have until the end of the semester. We all have to agree it’s legit.

Tammy’s gaze swept the circle, finally landing on you. Her eyebrow arched.

Tammy Thompson

So? What do you think, Y/n? You’re usually up for anything.