I Like You Lots (Steddie)

Chapter 2

TW; anxiety

The movie ended, and I choose another to play. I put on IT, a favorite of mine. "Are you serious? I hate clowns!" Vickie whines from over on the couch. "Hush and enjoy the movie. It's not only about clowns. It's about a friend group trying to save each other and grow closer and it's sweet."

"You have a disturbing mind if you think a movie about a clown trying to eat children is sweet."

"So what if I do?" I laugh, looking over at my phone. It's about 7. I wonder if Steve gets off work at 7 on most nights? "Plus you got to choose last time. If I have to watch one more romcom I'm going to pluck my own eyes out."

"You said you liked 13 Going On 30 and you cannot deny that." Will chimes in. "No one asked you Byers." I stick my tongue out and watch the beginning of the movie, giggling to myself every time everyone jumps.

DING.

'Hey you. :)'

'Hi yourself. :) Have a good rest of the day?'

Robin notices me looking at my phone again. "Steve texting you? You got that stupid grin on your face."

"Shut uppp. Watch the movie!" I try to push her away but her head is already leaning over my shoulder to look.

"I've seen it. Lemme read your texts with youuu. Please?"

"Ugh fine but no commentary this time."

"I'm not promising shit." She smiles.

'Ehhh. I'm not complaining bc it's a job. But like. Could people not be rude? I wish everyone was as nice as you.'

'As nice as meee? How do you know I'm nice? I could be like... really mean. Just nice to waiters. You don't know.'

'I dunno Eddie. You seem pretty sweet to me.'

'Maybe I'm just nice to you bc you're cute.'

'You think I'm cute? Jfc be still my heart.'

What am I even doing right now? He thinks I'm sweet?!

"He thinks your sweet, that's so cute."

"Wait until he gets to know me huh?" I chuckle. "Little does he know I'm sitting here trying not to throw my phone across the room because I have the anxiety of a chihuahua."

'What? I'm not lying. Totally the cutest.'

'You're making me all smiley and stupid and there are people literally STARING at me on the bus ride home rn.'

'What cuz I said you're cute? Hmmm.'

'Yes. A cute boy giving me compliments? Geez. I can't. Lol.'

"That's pretty gay, Eds." Robin snickers. I glare over at her. She thinks she's sooo funny. "Buckley I swear to god I said no commentary. You're the one all up in my business right now."

"I mean... true. But still my point stands." Her smile is huge and ridiculous. I'm not even gonna lie though she was making me laugh instead of having a panic attack. So I appreciate it, sort of.