𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊 + 𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐃 | 𝐄. 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄

Hawkins, Indiana, 1978

"HEY YOU!" a boy from your music class appeared in front of your desk. He looked older than you but you weren't surprised. Your trashy middle school decided to let the 3 grades merge into a form, unfortunately, you were a 6th grader, and presumably, he was an eighth-grader. You knew him, sorta, he was obnoxious, loud, not your type of friend but he was bearable. "You're smart, right? Did you do the homework?" he slowly sat at the desk next to you, the homework sheet in his hand. He had a buzz cut and wearing a baseball t-shirt.

"Uh.. y-yeah I did," you answered, pausing your drawing. "Do you need to copy it or whatever?"

"Yeah, I'd appreciate that," he smiled. You didn't return the smile, just dropped your pencil, went through your bag, and pulled out the worksheet. You handed it to him. "Yes! Thanks."

"No problem," you sighed, getting back to work on your drawing. You felt the other boy constantly glancing at you.

"You're quiet. What's your name?" he asked, still scribbling down your answers.

"Y/n," you mumbled, not bothering to look at him.

"You a 6th grader?" He questioned, looking you up and down. You just nodded in response. "Eddie, Eddie Munson," the boy, now known as Eddie, put his hand out. You hesitated, slowly putting your hand out to shake his. His skin felt rough and scabby against your hand, which was much softer. He smiled at you again, then glanced down at your hand. "Woah, dude are your nails painted?"

Your eyes widened, alarms going off in your head. You attempted to tug your hand back but Eddie was stronger than you. Pulling your hand closer to examine it, only a small laugh escaped his lips. "I have to tell the band," he murmured, finally letting your hand go. "Thanks for the answers!" he stood up, handing you your paper.

"Wait, Eddie, don't--" you shot up from your seat but he was already gone. You felt your hands begin to tremble, all of the thoughts of what people would think of you flooded your head. You could almost hear the chatter of the class grouping up next to Eddie. They're gonna think I'm gay and then my life is gonna be ruined. You put your hoodie up over your head, sit back down, and drop your head on your desk.

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You walked out of Hawkins Middle, the fresh air rushed to your nostrils. Luckily, you got through the day without anyone bothering you too much. "Y/N!" a familiar voice shouted behind you. You immediately started walking faster. "Hey!" you could hear him gaining in on you. He grabbed your shoulder, turning you to face him.

"What do you want, Munson?" you glared, stuffing your hands in your pockets. He noticed your new attitude.

"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Eddie let you go.

"What's wrong is that you don't keep your fucking mouth shut," you hissed.

"What are you talking about? Your nails?" he cocked his head to the side.

"Nevermind," you huffed, walking away to your bike. As you unchained it you noticed spray paint on it. You knelt to look over it, Eddie kneeling next to you. The word 'Faggot' was sprayed in red. You clenched your hands into fists, you looked around for who could've done it. That's when you notice Jason staring at you with a smirk. "Mouth breather."

Eddie noticed as well, then he noticed your hands. Your fist was so tight that your vein was almost popping out. You stood up, taking a deep breath. "Hey-"

"Screw off, Munson," you began walking away with your bike, ignoring Jason and his group's taunts as you walked by. They watched as you hopped on your bike, speeding off from the school.

═ ═ ═ ╰☆╮ ═ ═ ═

You tensed up as you heard the bathroom door open. Why didn't you just stay in class? Shutting off the sink and drying your hands on your hoodie. As you were heading for the door, Jason's hand grabbed your hood. "Don't run, we just wanna talk," he smirked.

"Leave me alone, Carver," you didn't bother looking back.

"What are you gonna do? Fly away like the little fairy you are," one of his friends teased.

"Just fuck off, dickhead," just after saying that you were slammed against the wall.

"Getting confident now, wastoid?" his other glared. You winced at the first punch, but then they just kept coming. Punch after punch, and kick after kick. The rusty, metallic taste of blood on your tongue. You eventually slumped down the wall. "Learn your place, fag." they spat, walking out the bathroom.

"I'm not even gay, assholes!" you shouted back at them just as the door closed.

You just sat there for a while, catching your breath until you heard someone enter again. "Munson?" you turned to face him. Eddie's eyes widened at your beat-up figure. Your eye red and swollen and a trail of blood runs down from your nose to your lips. You slowly stood up, using the wall to steady yourself. You bumped shoulders with him as you passed him without a word. Besides, it was his fault. If he just kept his mouth shut or did his damn homework this wouldn't have happened.