ocean eyes ✧ Billy Hargrove

[ 02 ]

Daphne maneuvered her Eldorado into a parking spot at Hawkins High, the engine's gentle hum fading as she turned it off. The parking lot buzzed with the usual morning activity, students gathering in small clusters, chatting and laughing as they prepared for another day of classes.

She spotted Steve's car across the lot, with Nancy beside him in the passenger seat. Steve gave her a quick wave, and Daphne smiled, waving back before heading over to where Tina and Carol were waiting near the school's entrance.

"Hey, girls," Daphne greeted, sliding into the conversation.
"Daph, you remember about the party at my place this weekend? You know, the Halloween party we're supposed to organize together?" Tina asked, her excitement barely contained.

"It's gonna be amazing!" Carol added, flipping her dark curls over her shoulder. "We need your touch to make sure it's the event of the year."

Daphne laughed, leaning against the wall. "I'm in. But let's make sure we've got better music this time, okay? Last time, all we had was that one mixtape on repeat."

"Definitely," Tina said with a giggle. "We'll make sure to bring a bunch of mixtapes so we don't get stuck with the same songs all night, like last year."

Before they could continue, the growl of a powerful engine turned heads across the parking lot. A sleek blue Camaro pulled in, its presence immediately commanding attention. The car rolled to a stop, and for a moment, the entire lot seemed to hold its breath.

The door swung open, and a boy stepped out, oozing an aura of effortless confidence. He wore a denim jacket over a tight white tank top that highlighted his muscular build, and his jeans fit snugly, showing off his athletic frame. A cigarette hung from his lips, and his cowboy boots hit the pavement with a solid thud.

As he straightened up, a red-headed girl hopped out from the passenger side, her skate hitting the ground before she glided away without a backward glance.

The boy took a long drag from his cigarette, his piercing blue eyes scanning the parking lot with a sharp, almost predatory intensity. When his gaze landed on Daphne, Tina and Carol, he paused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as if he knew exactly the effect he had on those watching.

He flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his boot before striding toward the school with a confident swagger.

Carol broke the silence first, her voice filled with disbelief. "Who is that?"
Tina giggled, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I have no idea. But would you check out that ass? Just look at it go."

Daphne watched him for a moment longer before tearing her gaze away, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, he's definitely got the 'bad boy' look down. But that doesn't mean we should start planning his welcome party."

Tina gave her a playful nudge. "Oh, come on, Daph! You can't tell me you're not at least a little bit interested in that guy. I mean, look at him. He's like trouble wrapped in denim."