INT. HAWKINS HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT A local battle of the bands competition is in full swing, and the gym has been transformed into a makeshift concert venue, packed with excited students and proud parents. Jonathan's nerves are getting to him as he and his friends are about to perform. Joyce comes over to give him some encouragement. JOYCE You're gonna do great, Jonathan. Just remember to have fun up there, alright? JONATHAN Thanks, mom. Jonathan's friends, RYAN and WES join them, looking equally nervous. RYAN Alright, guys. Time to go on. WES Do you think we can really win this thing? JOYCE You'll never know until you try. The three friends make their way to the stage as the announcer introduces their band. ANNOUNCER Up next, please welcome "The Mind Flayers!" Jonathan and his bandmates take the stage and start their performance, rocking the crowd with an intense set. Among the audience, Swans frontman MICHAEL GIRA looks on, genuinely impressed. EXT. HAWKINS HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT A few hours later, the competition has ended. Swans are there to announce the winner. The anticipation is thick in the air. MICHAEL GIRA Thank you all for giving it your best tonight! But, of course, there can only be one winner. And the winner of the battle of the bands is... (Michael looks down at the envelope in his hand and rips it open.) MICHAEL GIRA (CONT'D) "The Mind Flayers!" Jonathan and his friends are ecstatic, hugging and high-fiving each other. As they make their way offstage, MICHAEL GIRA approaches Jonathan. MICHAEL GIRA That was a really impressive set you guys played. Especially you, kid. You've got talent. Jonathan blushes, taken aback by the compliment. JONATHAN Wow, thank you so much. MICHAEL GIRA How would you like to join Swans for a few shows? See if it's a good fit? Jonathan's jaw drops and his eyes widen. JONATHAN Are you serious? That would be incredible! MICHAEL GIRA Then it's settled. Looking forward to rocking out together! Jonathan rushes off to tell his friends the good news, beaming with happiness.

INT. BYERS' LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Joyce, sitting in her favorite armchair, is sewing a few patches onto Jonathan's worn-out jacket. Jonathan excitedly bursts through the front door, still on a high from his conversation with Michael Gira. JONATHAN Mom! You're not gonna believe what just happened! JOYCE (looking up from her sewing) What is it, sweetie? Did something happen at the competition? Jonathan has trouble catching his breath, but manages a huge smile. JONATHAN We won, mom! We won the battle of the bands! Joyce gasps, a wide smile spreading across her face. JOYCE Oh honey, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you! Jonathan's excitement is contagious, and he continues to relay the fantastic news. JONATHAN But that's not all! Michael Gira, from Swans, was there and he asked me to join them for a few shows! Joyce's face shines with both pride and disbelief. JOYCE What? Wow! That sounds like a fantastic opportunity, Jonathan! JONATHAN I know, mom. I can't believe it! This could be my chance! Joyce stands up and hugs her son tightly. JOYCE I'm so proud of you, Jonathan. This is just the beginning of something great. Jonathan hugs her back, his eyes glistening with unshed tears of joy. INT. WHEELER'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Mike and Nancy sit on opposite ends of their living room couch. Nancy excitedly tells him about Jonathan's big moment earlier in the evening. NANCY You should have seen the look on Jonathan's face, Mike. It was priceless. He deserves this so much. Mike smiles, genuinely happy for Jonathan. MIKE Yeah, he really does. Maybe next time I'll come with you to his show! I'm sure Eleven would love that too. Nancy nods in agreement. NANCY Definitely. We'll all go and support Jonathan together. As they continue to chat about Jonathan's accomplishment, they grow closer, their bond as siblings strengthening through their shared pride for someone they both care about.

INT. HAWKINS HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY Jonathan walks down the crowded hallway to his locker, receiving waves and pats on the back from fellow students congratulating him on his recent success. He opens his locker to put away his books as Steve, standing nearby, comes over to him. STEVE Hey, man! Congratulations on winning the competition! That's seriously awesome. Jonathan smiles, still not used to all the attention. JONATHAN Thanks, Steve. It still feels surreal. Steve's face suddenly lights up with an idea. STEVE You know, I've got some free time coming up, and I'd love to help you guys with anything you need. Roadie stuff, carrying your gear, whatever. Jonathan is touched by Steve's offer. JONATHAN You'd do that? That'd be great, man. STEVE Of course! It's not every day that someone from Hawkins makes it big, you know? We gotta stick together. They share a genuine moment as friends, knowing that they've both come a long way since their teenage rivalry. INT. HAWKINS HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY - DAY Nancy and Barb sit at a table, studying for an upcoming test. Nancy is slightly distracted, her mind on the events surrounding Jonathan's new opportunity. BARB Nance, are you okay? You seem a little preoccupied. Nancy sighs and shakes her head. NANCY Yeah, sorry. I'm just thinking about how things are changing for Jonathan. It's exciting, but a part of me worries, you know? Barb nods understandingly. BARB It's natural. But remember, he's got a good head on his shoulders, and he's got you, his family, and his friends supporting him. Just make sure you're there for him, and everything will be okay. Nancy smiles gratefully at her best friend. NANCY You're right, Barb. Thanks. They continue studying, but Nancy feels reassured, knowing that Jonathan will always have a support system around him as he ventures into this new opportunity.