Billy Hargrove might rule the corridors of Hawkins High as the bully. Yet, behind closed doors at home, he's the victim, tormented by his own father. His mother abandoned him, so he has no defender against his abuser.
But at school, Steve Harringto...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The school gymnasium buzzes with the sounds of squeaking sneakers and cheers. The basketball game rages on. Playing against Billy's team, Steve drives towards the hoop with a burning determination. This aggressive approach doesn't always yield the desired results. Steve messes up a few passes, takes a couple of ill-advised shots that miss the mark, and fouls an opponent in his zealous pursuit of the ball.
'Focus on the game, not on proving yourself, Harrington,' the coach shouts instructions from the sideline, his patience wearing thin. 'Stop with the risky plays!'
Steve is in the zone, and he won't back down from a challenge. He keeps pushing, refusing to relent. The game wears on. The opposing teams clash. Steve and Billy lock eyes across the court. Steve frowns and glances away.
'That's enough, Harrington!' Steve's erratic play becomes too much for the coach to bear. He calls a timeout and storms onto the court. 'You're benched!' The coach signals for a substitute to take Steve's place.
Steve huffs and trudges off the court, frustrated. One of his teammates offers a sympathetic pat on his back, but it does little to soothe him. At the end of the game, a fiery emotion still lurks beneath Steve's exasperation.
The team members, drenched in sweat, make their way to the locker room for a much-needed shower. The room fills with steam and the sound of running water. Billy approaches the area where Steve is about to shower.
'You're ignoring me now?' Billy whispers.
Steve glances at him out of the corner of his eye, his jaw set.
'We gotta talk,' Billy continues in a hushed tone. He sighs, and the silence stretches between them.
Steve says nothing, but ... he's acutely aware of Billy's presence, his sculpted muscles and toned body that glistens under the hot spray. The memories of their encounters, and the lingering longing all swirls together in that steamy spot. It's a test in the face of undeniable attraction and hurt.
Steve lathers soap onto his body, focusing on the sensation of the warm water cascading over his skin. Yet, every so often his gaze betrays him. The droplets of water run down Billy's creamy complexion, accentuating every curve and line of his body. It's a silent, forbidden temptation. A desire that Steve's own body struggles not to show. The tension within Steve grows with each passing second.
