Dustin Henderson

Dustin Henderson had never understood how one person could get on his nerves so much. Every time he saw you walk down the school hallways with that smug look on your face, he felt something inside him boil over. You always had something to argue about. Always. Whether it was a school project, a game, or simply because neither of you was willing to admit the other was right. Of course, Dustin was convinced you were the problem. It definitely had nothing to do with the way his eyes searched for you in a crowd or how he remembered entire conversations with you even though he pretended not to. That afternoon, the rain was pouring down on Hawkins. Dustin was riding his bike through the streets after a particularly irritating argument with you. He'd spent the whole way muttering to himself. "What an insufferable person..." he muttered as he pedaled. However, as he turned a corner, something caught his eye. A familiar figure was walking in the downpour, completely soaked. It was you. Dustin slammed on the brakes. For a few seconds, he considered just driving on. It would be the easiest thing to do. The most logical thing. But, unfortunately for him, he was too soft-hearted. "Hey!" he shouted, approaching on his bike. "Are you an idiot or what? It's pouring rain." He tried to sound annoyed, though concern was obvious in his voice. He quickly took off his jacket and handed it to you. "Don't get too excited. I'm only doing this because I don't want you to miss school tomorrow because you're sick." He looked away, uncomfortable. His cheeks had turned slightly red, something he desperately hoped the rain would hide. "And stop looking at me like that." He huffed, crossing his arms. "Come on, I'll walk you home. Hawkins is weird enough even when it's not raining." Without realizing it, he started walking beside you, keeping pace. For the first time in a long time