To The End || EDDIE MUNSON x READER||

Cruisin For a Bruisin

The air outside Hawkins High was sharp and cold — the kind that burned your nose when you breathed too deep. The first day back from winter break, and already the hallways were chaos again: lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking on tile, everyone talking over each other about what they did during the two weeks off.

I was standing outside near the bike racks with Eddie, bundled in my denim jacket, hands shoved in my pockets. He was leaning against the railing, cigarette in hand, grinning at something stupid I'd said.

"So you're telling me," I said, squinting at him, "you spent all break trying to teach Gareth's cousin how to play bass—"

"Keyword trying," he interrupted, chuckling. "Kid's got the rhythm of a broken washing machine."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're such a jerk."

"Only on Mondays," he teased.

Before I could reply, a familiar voice cut through the morning air.

"What are you two doing hanging out together?"

I turned to see Dustin standing there, expression twisted in disgust like he'd just walked in on something illegal.

"Dustin," I sighed. "Robin and Steve aren't my only friends, you know."

He blinked at me, mouth opening and closing. "So... you're telling me you two are friends?"

Oh crap. I just outed myself.

"Yes, Dustin," I said, folding my arms. "We're friends. Now leave us alone, okay?"

He just stood there, jaw practically on the ground.

"Dustin," I groaned.

"Jesus," he muttered under his breath before walking off, shaking his head like I'd ruined his entire worldview.

I turned back to Eddie, who was laughing so hard he almost dropped his cigarette.

"It's not funny," I said, socking his arm lightly.

"Oh, it's so funny," he said through laughter. "Guess the secret's out now."

"Yeah, well," I shrugged, smiling despite myself, "now we can hang out at my place without sneaking around."

"True," he said, smirking. "Finally free from the wrath of Henderson."

Before I could respond, a voice called my name.

"Y/N!"

I turned to see Andy jogging up, holding a plastic container — my mom's, from when I'd brought him cookies before break.

"Oh, thanks," I said, taking it from him.

"No problem," he said, then glanced at Eddie with a sneer. "What are you doing hanging out with this freak?"

My stomach dropped.

"Andy! That was rude," I snapped. "And it's none of your business."

Eddie shifted beside me, his easygoing grin gone. "Yeah, man, get outta here."

Andy took a step closer, eyes narrowing. "Don't tell me what to do."

"Andy, you need to go," I said firmly, grabbing Eddie's arm to pull him away — but Andy's hand shot out, gripping my shoulder.

"Don't touch me," I warned, jerking away.

Eddie froze. "He touched you?"

Andy smirked. "What're you gonna do about it, freak?"