Stranger Things || MALE READER

Chapter 14: Brat

I jolted awake, startled by the sound of raised voices. Rubbing my eyes, I groaned and sat up, immediately feeling the throbbing headache.

"Friends don't lie!" I could hear El's voice, followed by the slam of a door. I turned my attention towards my own door and slowly got to my feet, making my way towards it. I opened it to find an angry Hopper on the other side, glaring at me as our eyes met.

"You're grounded, remember? No slacking off. Go to school and come straight back home. That's it. If you don't, I'll take your car keys. Got it?" Hopper's instructions were laced with annoyance, and he promptly retreated to his room.

Still half-asleep, I barely registered his words. I simply nodded and made my way to the closet to change out of my Terminator costume. The pounding in my head urged me to take some ibuprofen, so I grabbed some and got ready in the bathroom.

I drove to school, parking in my usual spot, only to see Billy's car pulling up next to mine. Letting out a groan, I stepped out of my car just as he did. I greeted Max, who waved at me before heading towards the middle school. Billy, however, gave me a menacing glare.

"What? Still mad 'cause I took your title, Hargrove?" I taunted, a sly smile playing on my face as I crossed the parking lot.

"Yeah, right. Keep telling yourself that, asshole," he muttered behind me, clearly effected by my remark.

Knowing I had struck a nerve, I didn't respond verbally but instead raised an eyebrow, maintaining my composure as I continued walking. I wasn't going to engage in a fight with him, at least not right now.

First period flew by, followed by P.E., where we played basketball. "We" consisted of Steve, Billy, Tommy H., myself, and a few other selected individuals. There were three or four people on the bench, doing absolutely nothing. One of them was Eddie, who always managed to avoid participating. He wore a smug grin as he sat on the bleachers, but I shot him a fierce glare in return.

As we played, it became apparent that Hargrove's basketball skills were just as impressive as they were back in California. He relentlessly taunted Steve throughout the game. At one point, Billy executed a spectacular layup, intentionally showing off as he maneuvered the ball beneath his legs while jumping. Letting out a sigh, I noticed everyone's attention quickly shift to Nancy as she entered the gym. Steve accompanied her outside, while I took a seat on the bleachers.

"You know, you're getting your ass handed to you out there, Winchester," Eddie teased, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Shut up, Munson. I'm too hungover to deal with you right now," I replied, my annoyance evident.

"Whoa, no need to be mean," he chuckled, provoking me further. I sent him a glare, unamused by his antics.

"You know, he's right. If you want to switch teams, we could beat their asses just like we used to in Cali. I'm sure the coach would allow it," Billy chimed in, joining the conversation.

I let out an annoyed sigh. "Jesus, are you two incapable of bothering someone else? Don't you have any friends besides your lapdog Tommy?" I asked, maintaining a blank expression as I locked eyes with Billy. He frowned, glaring back at me.

"Hey, do you guys think Nancy and Steve will break up and she'll get together with Jonathan?" Eddie asked, his eyes filled with concern. I smiled slightly, sensing an opportunity.

"Why? Worried you'll have to cough up 30 bucks?" I replied, a teasing tone in my voice, causing Eddie to roll his eyes.

"Wait, wait. You guys made a bet on who she'll date?" Billy interjected, clearly amused by the situation.