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Chapter Text

 

Around 8 p.m., the basement of the Wheeler house buzzed with a mix of laughter and tears. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Will gathered around the old wooden table, the air thick with the scent of stale pizza boxes and the faint mustiness of forgotten comic books. They were sobbing hysterically, the weight of impending change crashing over them like a wave from Lover's Lake.

 

"So, this is really it... we're all going to college,"

Max sighed, her voice cracking as tears traced faint paths down her freckled cheeks. She wiped them away quickly, trying to play it tough as always.

 

"Yeah, I guess... I guess we are," Lucas replied, his face a canvas of sadness and nostalgia, his dark eyes reflecting the dim light from the single bulb overhead.

 

"Look at us," Dustin chimed in, his curly hair disheveled, a bittersweet smile breaking through the tears streaming down his face. He let out a watery laugh, the kind that hurt as much as it healed.

 

"Do you think we'll all get into the same college?"

Will asked softly, his voice trembling as he fought back more tears, his hazel eyes wide with vulnerability.

 

Mike, ever the leader, straightened up, his voice steady despite the worry etched into his features. "Of course we will. We have to. Even though El sacrificed herself to save us—to save the world—we have to stick together. I couldn't imagine my college life without you guys..." His words hung in the air, laced with determination and a flicker of fear.

 

 

A few hours slipped by in a haze of shared memories and quiet reflections. The group had scattered around the table, deciding to dust off their old Dungeons & Dragons set for one last campaign before the world pulled them apart.

Will felt a surge of joy wash over him—things were almost like they used to be, even if it was fleeting. He scanned the room, his artist's eye capturing the scene: Max laughing genuinely, her eyes locked on Lucas with that spark of affection; Dustin and Lucas goofing around, their banter light and familiar, with Max jumping in to tease them both.

But then Will's gaze landed on Mike, and it stuck there. Tall, with his wild black curls framing a face lost in thought, Mike sat apart, staring into the void. Will could sense the storm brewing inside him—he always could. No one read Mike Wheeler like Will Byers did.

 

"Mike... are you okay?" Will asked gently, his voice cutting through the noise like a lifeline.

 

"Y-yeah, I-I'm okay," Mike stammered, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. It was a lie, a small one meant to shield Will from worry. After everything Will had endured—the Upside Down, the possessions, the near-losses—Mike just wanted his best friend to be happy, unburdened.

 

"Hey, you don't have to lie to me. We're best friends. You can tell me anything," Will pressed, his tone soft but insistent, leaning closer as if to bridge the invisible gap between them.

 

Mike hesitated, then let the words tumble out, his voice raw. 

 

"It's just... after everything we've been through—with almost losing you, and losing El, and then almost losing you again—I'm scared of all of us splitting up and starting new lives. I-I just couldn't deal with it." He hadn't meant to say it so loudly, but when he looked up, the others were staring, their expressions a mix of surprise and understanding. Mike froze, heat rising to his cheeks.

 

"I-It's stupid... I know I should just grow up and accept change, but I don't know, I just..."

 

Lucas was the first to break the silence, his warm smile cutting through the tension. 

 

"Hey, man, don't think like that. We would never forget about you or replace you. We're your best friends."

 

"Lighten up, Wheeler. You're never getting rid of us... even if you tried," Max added with a teasing grin, her words echoing the sharp wit of Mike's sister Nancy, drawing a genuine laugh from him.

 

"Yeah, we could never split up. We're a party, and we'll always be friends, no matter what," Dustin declared, his cheesy grin infectious, even through the tears.

 

Will tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "I think that's enough evidence, Mike. Don't you?"

 

Mike sat there, a deep, genuine smile spreading across his face as happy tears welled up. The others rose as one, pulling him into a group hug that enveloped him in warmth and reassurance. In that moment, surrounded by the people who had fought demons both real and metaphorical by his side, Mike felt a profound gratitude. He knew he'd be okay—as long as he had his friends, especially Will, whose hand lingered just a second longer in the embrace, a silent promise of something more lingering beneath the surface.

Chapter Text

The basement air still hung heavy with the salt of tears, the dim bulb casting flickering shadows over their faces, now a mix of red eyes and tentative smiles.

Will wiped at his cheeks with the sleeve of his hoodie, his hazel eyes meeting Mike’s for a moment that stretched too long.

“See? We’re in this together,” he said softly, his voice carrying that gentle reassurance that always grounded Mike.

Lucas nodded, his arm still around Max’s shoulders.

She leaned into him, her freckled face flushed from crying, but her eyes held a distant spark, like she was already half in some other world.

“Yeah, but it’s getting late. We should call it a night before we all crash here.”

Her voice was steady now, and she punched Lucas’s arm lightly.

“Come on, let’s head out. You guys better not bail on us tomorrow.”

Dustin yawned big, stretching as he stood up.

“She’s right. This genius needs his shut-eye if we’re gonna tackle those letters fresh in the morning. Can’t make big life decisions on an empty tank.”

He grinned, fist-bumping the group. “See you suckers bright and early.”

Lucas and Max grabbed their jackets, waving as they headed up the stairs.

“Don’t stay up too late, you two,” Max teased with a wink, her smile genuine as she linked arms with Lucas.

Dustin followed suit, trudging out with a final “NYU or bust… tomorrow!”

The basement door clicked shut, leaving the space feeling bigger, quieter, and charged with something unspoken.

Mike rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Will who was still sitting on the couch, fiddling with the edge of his sweater.  

The stack of unopened envelopes sat on the table like a ticking bomb, but the night felt too raw to crack them open now.

“Hey, uh… it’s pretty late. You wanna crash here tonight? Like old times? We could talk more about… everything. Or just hang.”

Will’s heart skipped, his cheeks warming as he met Mike’s eyes. There was that pull again, subtle but electric.

“Yeah, sure. I’d like that.” They settled in, raiding the kitchen for snacks—leftover pizza and sodas—and sprawling out on the basement floor with blankets, the dim light casting a cozy glow.

At first, it was light stuff: reminiscing about old D&D campaigns, laughing about Dustin’s failed science experiments, or how Max always kicked their asses at the arcade.

But as the hours ticked by, the conversation deepened, the quiet of the house amplifying every word.

Mike propped himself up on one elbow, staring at the ceiling.

“You know, sometimes I still dream about the Upside Down. Like, not nightmares exactly, but… echoes. El’s there, and you’re always the one pulling me out. It’s weird.”

Will shifted closer, their shoulders almost touching.

“I get that. For me, it’s the possession stuff. Feeling like something else’s in control. But having you guys—you—there made it bearable.” He paused, his voice dropping.

“Mike, earlier… when you said you’re scared of us splitting up. Is that really all of it? Or is there more?”

Mike hesitated, fiddling with a blanket thread.

“I don’t know. Yeah, losing the group sucks, but… it’s you, mostly. We’ve been through so much, Will. You’re my best friend. What if college changes that? What if we drift?” Will turned to face him, their faces inches apart in the low light.

“We won’t. I mean, look at us—we’re about to find out if we’re all heading to the same place tomorrow. But even if not… you’re not getting rid of me that easy.”

He smiled softly, but his eyes held something deeper, a question unspoken. Mike met his gaze, the air thickening.

“Promise? Because I… I couldn’t handle it without you. Not after everything.”

His hand brushed Will’s arm accidentally—or maybe not—and neither pulled away.

“Promise,” Will whispered, his heart pounding.

They talked more—about dreams for New York, silly what-ifs like starting a band or exploring the city at night—until their words trailed off into sleepy murmurs, the slow burn between them simmering in the shared silence.

 

Morning came with the slam of the front door upstairs, sunlight filtering through the small basement windows.

Dustin’s voice boomed down the stairs first.

“Rise and shine, Wheeler! We brought donuts—figure we need fuel for this letter drama.”

Lucas and Max followed, thumping down with bags from the local bakery.

The gang reassembled around the table, the envelopes waiting like old enemies. Mike, still in his rumpled clothes from last night, exchanged a quick look with Will—grateful, charged.

“Alright, no more putting it off,” Mike said, forcing a grin. “We’ve beaten Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer. Adulthood? Piece of cake. Let’s do this.”

The group exchanged nervous glances, a buzz of excitement cutting through the morning haze. Will’s heart raced—not just from the letters, but from the way Mike’s knee bumped his under the table, accidental but not pulled away.

One by one, they grabbed their envelopes. Dustin ripped his open with flair, yelling, “Henderson for the win!” as he scanned it. “NYU? Wait, NYU! Holy crap, guys—New York!”

Max’s eyes widened as she unfolded hers. “No way… NYU too? Holy shit this can’t be real.”

Lucas laughed, holding up his letter. “Make that three. Big Apple, here we come?”

Will’s hands trembled as he opened his, the words swimming before settling.

“Accepted… NYU.” He looked up, locking eyes with Mike across the table.

Mike went last, tearing into his with a mix of dread and hope. His face paled, then broke into a relieved smile.

“NYU. All of us. We’re… we’re not splitting up.”

Cheers erupted, donuts flying in celebration. But beneath the joy, shadows stirred.

Will noticed Mike’s gaze flicker with something unspoken—hesitation? As they piled into another group hug, laughter replacing last night’s tears, Will leaned into Mike a fraction more.

The slow burn flickered quietly, a spark in the midst of change. Maybe New York would fan it into flame—or maybe it would bring secrets to light that could tear them apart.

Chapter Text

Dustin fiddled with the radio, landing on “Welcome to the Jungle,” while Lucas gripped the wheel, Max shotgun with her feet on the dash. In the back, Mike and Will shared a bench seat, their duffels crammed between them.

“Holy crap, guys—look at that!” Dustin yelped, pressing his face to the window. “Empire State Building! We’re not in Kansas anymore—or Hawkins. What did Steve say? ‘Party hard, but don’t end up in a dumpster’?”

Lucas laughed, glancing at Max. “Yeah, and Robin bet we’d all drop out by midterms. Hopper just grumbled about city crime. But Joyce… man, she packed us enough cookies to feed the dorm.”

Max smirked, leaning into Lucas a bit more. “As long as we stick together. No drifting, right?”

She squeezed his hand, the gesture warm and genuine, though a hint of nerves flickered in her eyes—maybe just the overwhelm of the big city.

Will nodded, sketching the skyline in his notebook. “Yeah. It’s weird without El, though. She’d have loved this—the lights, the energy.” His voice softened.

Mike’s chest tightened at the sadness in it.
“She would,” Mike agreed, his gaze lingering on Will’s profile—the way his hair curled in the humidity, the quiet strength in his eyes.

A strange warmth spread through him, unnameable, pushing him to add, “But we’ve got each other. I’ll make sure of that.”

His words came out more intense than planned, and Will met his eyes, a spark jumping between them.

“Promise?”

Will asked, his tone light but his hazel eyes holding Mike’s a beat too long, like he was searching for something deeper.

Mike swallowed, nodding. “Promise.”

He didn’t pull his gaze away, even as the van lurched into traffic, horns blaring around them. What was this feeling? It was more than the old friendship pull—sharper, insistent. He shoved it down, focusing on the city unfolding ahead.

By the time they pulled up to the dorms in Washington Square Village, the sun was dipping low, casting long shadows over the red-brick buildings. The place was chaos: freshmen hauling suitcases, parents barking orders, RAs with clipboards directing traffic. The gang piled out, stretching cramped limbs and grabbing bags.

“This is it—our fortress!” Dustin declared, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.

“First order: unload and claim beds. Mike, Will—you guys got the double room, right? Lucky bastards.”

Mike shot him a grin, but his eyes darted to Will, who was already lifting a box of art supplies. “Need help with that?”

Will shook his head, smiling. “I’ve got it. But yeah, come on—let’s see what we’ve got.”

Their room was a cramped rectangle with bunk beds, a shared desk, and a window overlooking the park. Posters from home—D&D maps, a faded Hawkins High banner—would soon cover the beige walls. As they unpacked, the others filtered in and out, turning the hall into a makeshift reunion.

Max flopped onto the bottom bunk in her and Dustin’s suite down the way—Lucas was in a guys-only setup next door, per some outdated rule. “This co-ed crap is bullshit,” she muttered, unpacking her skateboard. “Like, what, we’re gonna spontaneously combust if we share a bathroom?”

Lucas leaned in the doorway, arms crossed.

“Hey, it’s not forever. We’ll figure it out.”

He reached for her hand, and she took it, giving him a quick squeeze.

“Pizza later? Dustin’s already scouting places.”

“Sure,” Max said, her voice casual, though she seemed a bit distracted by the buzz outside the window—new city sounds pulling at her attention.

Mike caught the exchange from across the hall, a knot forming in his gut. Relationships were tricky—hell, look at him and El, cut short before it could really bloom. But seeing Lucas and Max navigating the change made him edgy, like the group’s foundation might shift with all this newness.

He turned back to Will, who was taping up a sketch of the old party on the wall.

“That from last summer?” Mike asked, stepping closer.

Their shoulders brushed, and neither moved away.

Will nodded, his fingers lingering on the drawing. “Yeah. Before… everything. Feels like a lifetime ago.” He looked at Mike, eyes soft with shared history.

“Glad we’re here together, though. Makes it less scary.”

Mike’s heart thudded. “Me too.” He wanted to say more—about how Will’s presence grounded him, how the thought of losing that terrified him more than any Upside Down monster. But the words stuck, tangled in confusion. Instead, he clapped Will on the back, too hard, like a bro.

“Come on, let’s help Dustin before he declares himself king of the dorm.”

That evening, after a greasy pizza run to some hole-in-the-wall joint on Bleecker Street, the group sprawled in Washington Square Park. The fountain bubbled under string lights, street performers juggling for change, the air thick with weed smoke and laughter from other students. It was their first taste of freedom—no curfews, no parents, just the five of them against the city.

“Orientation tomorrow,” Dustin announced, mouth full of crust. “Classes, clubs—we gotta sign up for everything. AV club, maybe? Or hell, start our own support group.”

Lucas snorted. “Yeah, ‘How to Survive College After Fighting Demons 101.’ Hopper would love that.” He nudged Max, who was picking at her slice, staring at the arch.

“You okay? You’ve been quiet.”
She shrugged, forcing a smile. “Just tired. Long drive.” But her eyes wandered to the fountain, lost in thought—perhaps missing Hawkins more than she let on.

Lucas wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into him, the moment easing some unseen tension.
Mike noticed too, but his attention snapped back when a couple of guys approached their circle—upperclassmen, by the look of their NYU tees.

“Hey, freshmen? Welcome to the jungle,” one said, grinning.

“I’m Alex, this is Jamie. Art majors. You guys look like you could use some tips on surviving this madhouse.”

Will perked up. “Art? Me too. Will Byers.” He extended a hand, and Jamie shook it, holding on a second too long.

“Cool, man. We’ve got a studio session tomorrow—informal, just sketching in the park. You should come. Bring your stuff.”

Mike’s stomach twisted. Who were these guys? Will didn’t need invitations from strangers—not when they had each other.

He shifted closer to Will, arm draping casually over the bench behind him.

“We’re kinda busy tomorrow. Orientation stuff.”

Will shot him a puzzled look but didn’t protest.

“Maybe next time?”

Alex chuckled. “No pressure. See you around.” They wandered off, and Mike exhaled, not realizing he’d been holding his breath.

“What was that?” Will whispered, leaning in. Their faces were close, breath mingling in the cooling air. “You went all guard dog.”

Mike flushed, scrambling. “Just… protective. New city, remember? Can’t trust everyone.”

But it was more—seeing Will light up with someone else ignited a fire in him, hot and possessive. He wanted to be the one making Will smile like that. The realization hit like a punch: this wasn’t just friendship anymore. It was deeper, scarier. He met Will’s eyes, longing crashing over him, but he looked away first, heart racing.

Dustin broke the tension. “Alright, weirdos—back to the dorms before we turn into pumpkins. Early start tomorrow.”

As they walked back, the city lights blurring around them, Mike fell into step beside Will. Their hands brushed once, twice—accidental, but neither pulled away.

“Hey, about earlier… sorry if I was weird.”

Will smiled softly. “It’s okay. Kinda nice, actually. Having you look out for me.”

His voice held a hint of something more, a question in his eyes that Mike wasn’t ready to answer.

But as they reached the dorm, Mike couldn’t shake the feeling. Will had always been there, steady and quiet, and now? Now Mike was falling—hard, fast, into unknown territory. And with the shadows of jealousy creeping in—new faces pulling at the group, unspoken worries about change, the pull of campus life—he wondered if New York would bring them closer or tear them apart.

 

That night, in the bunk beds, Mike stared at the ceiling, listening to Will’s even breathing below.

The city hummed outside, alive with possibilities.

“Goodnight, Will,” he whispered.

“Goodnight, Mike.” A pause. “Sweet dreams.”

Mike’s dreams were anything but—filled with longing looks and unspoken words, the slow burn igniting into something he couldn’t ignore much longer. He tried to shake off that intense feeling, and it worked for the rest of the night.

A few hours flew by and Will was fast asleep, but Mike—he was still awake, in a very light sleep just in case Will needed him.

In that moment of Mike’s deep thoughts, Will shot up panicking. Mike went straight to Will without any hesitation, holding him in a firm but warm hug.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Mike murmured, his voice steady despite his racing heart.

“You’re safe. What happened? Nightmare?”

Will nodded shakily against his shoulder, breaths coming in short gasps. Mike pulled back just enough to search his eyes, concern etched on his face.

“You wanna talk about it? Or… I could lay with you, if that helps. Like old times.”

Will hesitated, then whispered, “Yeah… please.”

Mike slid into the narrow bed beside him, arms wrapping around Will protectively, their bodies fitting together in the quiet dark as the panic slowly ebbed away.

Mike liked the feeling of Will snuggled up next to him. He never thought it was weird when they were younger, but for some reason, it felt different now—like different as in he was enjoying it. He wished he could be like this all night and all day, and couldn’t help but wonder if Will felt the same.

Sleep claimed him quickly. Will lay fast asleep, nestled into the warmth of his neck, while Mike’s arms were flung securely around him, holding him tight, with not a single worry in the world.

Chapter Text

The next day came far too quickly.
Will’s alarm went off at exactly nine a.m. He and Mike had one hour to shower, eat, and get dressed before meeting Lucas, Max, and Dustin for orientation—and then figuring out what clubs and activities they wanted to sign up for.

Will was the first to wake. He carefully tried to slip out of bed without disturbing Mike, but the mattress shifted anyway. Before he could stop himself, Mike stirred, blinking awake as he rubbed sleep from his deep brown eyes.

“Morning,” Mike said, his voice still rough with sleep, a soft, beautiful smile spreading across his face.

“Shit—sorry,” Will said quickly. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I was just going to take a shower. We’ve only got an hour before we meet the others.”

He smiled despite himself, heat creeping into his cheeks.

“No, it’s okay,” Mike replied. “I’m kinda glad you did. I could really use food—and coffee.”

He held Will’s gaze a second too long.

The air between them shifted, something quiet and electric building as they stared at each other.

Will felt his chest tighten. Just before it could become anything more, he snapped himself out of it with a nervous smile.

“I—I’m gonna go take that shower,” he said quickly.

“Uh—yeah. I’m gonna, um… make us some breakfast,” Mike replied, returning the awkward smile.

Will escaped to the bathroom, turning the water as hot as it would go. Steam filled the room as he stepped under the spray, replaying the moment over and over in his head.

The look in Mike’s eyes. The way his heart had jumped.
It felt real. Too real.

He smiled to himself anyway, giddy and warm, even as a familiar ache settled in—because no matter how much he wanted it, he knew he couldn’t have Mike like that.

 

Meanwhile, Mike had quietly slipped out earlier to find a nearby grocery store. Now he moved around the kitchen, setting up what he hoped would be a perfect surprise—mostly for Will.

Toast. Eggs. Bacon. Pancakes with syrup. Fresh fruit. And Will’s favorite coffee, already poured and waiting.
Mike adjusted the plates, then adjusted them again, second-guessing everything. He just wanted Will to feel comfortable. At home. Happy.

Will finished his shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, still lost in thought. When he stepped into the kitchen, he froze.

The table was covered in all his favorite foods. The smell of fresh coffee hit him immediately. His coffee.
His face went red, words completely failing him.

Mike heard the door open and looked up—and immediately felt his heart stumble. Will stood there, hair still damp and curling slightly, cheeks pink from the heat of the shower. He stared before he could stop himself, taking in the softness of his expression, the way he looked so calm and warm and… close. Too close.

He realized he’d been staring and quickly looked away, his face burning.

“I—I um… I hope you like it,” Mike said. “I just thought—comfort breakfast stuff. Or whatever.” He winced at his rambling.
Will finally found his voice.

“Mike… this is the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” His eyes shone as he smiled. “You always know how to cheer me up.”
Mike smiled back, his stomach doing something strange and fluttery.

He’d never done anything like this before. He’d never felt like this before either. He tried to play it cool, but it was impossible when Will looked at him like that—so warm, so kind.

He cleared his throat. “Uh, I’m gonna take a quick shower. Then I’ll, um… join you.”
He hurried past Will, embarrassed but smiling the whole way.

Will was completely captivated by the spread of food. He didn’t hesitate for a second, digging in right away—pouring syrup over his eggs, piling bacon onto his plate, and adding a handful of fruit. He took a long sip of his coffee, letting the warmth settle in his chest.

Then he slipped a Clash mixtape into his cassette player and turned the volume up.
Music filled the kitchen, and before he realized it, Will was swaying, then dancing—moving easily as he sipped his coffee, smiling to himself.

For the first time in a while, he felt exactly how Mike had wanted him to feel: safe, comfortable, at home.

 

It wasn’t long before Mike came out of the shower. He pulled on the clothes he’d left folded neatly by the bathroom sink, ran a hand through his damp hair, and headed toward the kitchen.

He stopped in the doorway.

Will was dancing, completely lost in the music. One of will’s favorite song by the clash softly played through the room, and the happiness on Will’s face made Mike’s chest tighten.

Yeah, he thought. I did that. I made him happy.

A wide smile spread across his face.

“Having fun there?” Mike said, his voice light, a cheeky grin tugging at his lips.

Will startled slightly and turned around, heat rushing to his cheeks.

“Oh—h-hey, Mike,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly shy again.

Will turned the music off and went to grab his shoes, jacket, and bag, a small smile still lingering on his face. Mike did the same, moving a little slower, like he wasn’t quite ready for the moment to end.

“Hey, Will,” Mike said, glancing over at him with a goofy, unmistakably fond smile.

“Yeah?” Will replied.

“I, uh… I never knew you could dance like that.”

The words left Mike’s mouth before his brain caught up, and he immediately felt his face heat up.

 

Will rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide his smile.

“Shut up, Mike,” he said, giving him a playful nudge with his shoulder.

They lingered there for another second, neither of them in a rush to leave, until a loud knock echoed through the apartment.

Will startled and immediately hurried to the door, leaving Mike behind with an almost comically pouty, puppy-dog expression.

On the other side, the rest of the gang stood waiting—clearly ready to burst in the moment the door opened.

Will swung the door open, barely getting a chance to say anything before Dustin pushed past him, nose twitching dramatically.

“Whoa—hold on,” Dustin said, eyes widening as he sniffed the air.

“Is that… bacon? And coffee? Real coffee?”

He took another exaggerated inhale. “Because that smells illegal.”

Lucas stepped in behind him, stopping short when he saw the kitchen.

“Uh. We were literally about to suggest going to a café,” he said, staring at the table stacked with food. “But… yeah. Never mind. This works.”

Max followed them in, already shrugging off her jacket. “I’m not passing up pancakes,” she said simply.

“Café can wait.”

Mike straightened immediately, suddenly protective.

“Hey—no. The food’s for Will,” he said, pointing a little too firmly toward the table.
Everyone paused.

Will glanced between them, then smiled, a little embarrassed but fond.

“It’s okay, Mike. I don’t want it to go to waste anyway,” he said. “Besides, I’m already pretty full.”

Mike hesitated, clearly torn, then sighed. “Fine,” he said, rolling his eyes—but he was smiling as he stepped aside.

“Go ahead.”

Dustin was already reaching for a plate.

“Best decision you’ve made all morning,” he said cheerfully.

Mike just shook his head, watching Will instead.

Dustin and Lucas claimed seats at the table almost immediately, plates piled high. Max hopped up onto the counter, legs swinging as she stole pieces of fruit from the bowl beside her.

Will and Mike ended up standing close together near the counter, shoulders brushing, not quite realizing how naturally they’d leaned into each other.

“So,” Dustin said through a mouthful of pancake, “orientation today. Time to decide who we’re all gonna become as cool, well-adjusted college students.”

Lucas snorted. “Speak for yourself.”

“I’m thinking AV club,” Dustin continued proudly. “Or radio. Something with buttons. And maybe robotics—if they let me near power tools.”

“That sounds like a fire hazard,” Max said.

“I’m joining skate club. And maybe the music society. They’ve got a pretty decent setup, apparently.”

Mike nodded. “I might do the newspaper. Or debate club.”

He paused, glancing at Will. “Maybe… D&D if they’ve got one.”

Will smiled softly. “I was thinking art club. Obviously,” he said, earning a few teasing looks. “And maybe music, too.”

“See?” Dustin said, pointing his fork. “We’re already forming our own little ecosystem.”

Lucas leaned back in his chair. “We should do something together, though. Like one club we all join.”

“Group therapy?” Max offered.

Mike laughed. “Pretty sure that’s not a club.”

As the laughter died down, Max turned her attention to Will, head tilting slightly.

“So,” she said casually, “seen any cute guys around campus yet?”

Will nearly choked on his coffee. “What—Max!”

Dustin’s eyes lit up. “Ohhh, tea?”

Mike stiffened almost instantly, jaw tightening just a little.

Max smirked. “What? Just asking. New place, new people. You never know.”

Will felt his face heat up. “I—I haven’t really been looking,” he said quickly. “Orientation barely started.”

Mike crossed his arms. “Yeah. It’s been, like, one day.”

Max raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the edge in his tone.

“Relax, Wheeler. I was just curious.”

Will laughed nervously. “Besides,” he added, trying to defuse it, “I’m more focused on classes right now.”

Mike relaxed a fraction at that, rolling his shoulders like he’d been holding tension without realizing it.

Dustin, of course, noticed everything. “Interesting,” he said slowly, grinning to himself.

Lucas kicked him under the table. “Don’t.”

Mike leaned slightly closer to Will without thinking, their arms brushing again. Will didn’t move away.
Max watched the two of them for a moment, then smiled knowingly—but said nothing.

After a few more minutes of joking and planning clubs, Max finally hopped down from the counter and leaned toward Mike.

“Hey,” she said quietly, so only he could hear. “Can we talk for a second?”

Mike blinked, a little caught off guard. “Uh… sure,” he said, trying to sound casual.

Max started moving toward the living room, and Mike followed, shoulders a little stiff. Once they were out of earshot of the others, she folded her arms and fixed him with a sharp look.

“Okay,” she began, voice low but serious.

“What the hell was that back there with Will? The way you were glaring when I asked him about guys…”

Mike’s face immediately flushed. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said quickly, looking anywhere but at her.

Max raised an eyebrow. “Don’t play dumb with me, wheeler. I saw the way you were leaning in, the way you got all… possessive.”

Mike’s jaw tightened. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake it off.

“No, I wasn’t—It’s not like that, I just…” He trailed off, realizing Max wasn’t going to let him dodge this.

“Just what?”

Max pressed, leaning against the arm of the couch. “Just jealous? Because that’s what it looked like.”

Mike groaned softly, finally giving in.

“Fine! Yeah, okay, I’m jealous,” he admitted, his voice quieter than he expected.

“I just… I like him. I like Will. I’ve liked him for a while, and I didn’t like the idea of you teasing him about guys… especially other guys.”

Max blinked, then let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “Finally,” she said.

“About time someone said it out loud.”

Mike groaned again, burying his face in his hands.

“Great. Now you’re going to tell everyone, aren’t you?”

Max smirked. “Not a chance. But you—” she pointed a finger at him playfully, “—you need to stop hiding it from him. He deserves to know.”

Mike peeked through his fingers at her, unsure whether to be annoyed or grateful.

“Yeah, okay,” he muttered, still flustered.

“But seriously, don’t tell Dustin.”

Max laughed softly. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe… for now.”

By the time they finished breakfast and cleaned up, orientation had started in full swing.

Will and Mike trailed behind the rest of the gang as they made their way toward the art building.

Mike tried to keep his cool, still flushed from the earlier conversation with Max, while Will seemed unusually bright, humming under his breath as he jotted down notes about different clubs.

As they stepped into the art wing, Will’s eyes were immediately drawn to one of the older students setting up canvases near the studio entrance.

“Hey!” a friendly voice called out. “You guys here for the orientation?”

Will turned, his heart skipping slightly at the sight of Jamie—tall, casual, with a sketchbook tucked under one arm and a warm smile that made the room feel smaller somehow.

“Uh, yeah,” Will said, stepping closer. “I’m Will.”

“Jamie,” the student replied, holding out a hand.

“You into painting, or more into drawing?”

Will smiled nervously. “A little of both, I guess. I’m hoping to try some new things too.”

Jamie’s grin widened. “Perfect. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

As Will followed Jamie into the studio, Mike lagged behind slightly, trying to summon the courage to speak up.

Just tell him, he thought. It’s now or never.

But before he could get the words out, Will was already absorbed in conversation, laughing at something Jamie had said and leaning slightly closer than Mike would have liked.

Mike froze, watching Will’s expressions light up with excitement, and his chest tightened. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. Too late, he realized bitterly. Now’s not the moment.

He forced himself to smile as Lucas, Dustin, and Max caught up.

“Alright,” Mike muttered to himself, trying to shake it off, “focus. Just… focus on orientation.”

Meanwhile, Will didn’t notice the tension trailing behind him. He was too busy getting lost in the art studio, feeling that warm, easy connection with Jamie that made him forget the rest of the world—even Mike standing just a few feet away.
And Mike, for the first time that morning, felt a pang of fear he couldn’t shake: the kind that comes when you realize timing isn’t on your side.

After orientation wrapped up for a bit, Mike found himself leaning against a wall in the art wing, arms crossed, trying not to stare at Will as he chatted animatedly with Jamie.

Max, who had been hanging back on the counter, raised an eyebrow.

“You okay?” she asked casually, sliding over beside him.

Mike hesitated. “I… I don’t know, Max. I need your help.”

Max smirked. “Oh? That’s new. You usually wing it.”

Mike groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t wing it this time. I need to… tell him how I feel. But I have no idea how. And now Jamie…”

His jaw tightened as he gestured toward Will, who was laughing at something Jamie had said. “…he’s getting closer, and I don’t like it. I can’t watch this happen and just—”

Max crossed her arms, feigning exasperation but clearly amused.

“Yeah, I noticed. So? What do you want me to do, write a speech? Or should I just punch Jamie in the arm for you?”

Mike’s face flushed. “Not helpful!”

“Alright, fine, fine,” Max said, holding up her hands.

“Step one: stop panicking. Step two: talk to him. Step three: maybe don’t overthink it. And step four…” She leaned closer, voice dropping conspiratorially.

“Jamie’s observant. He notices everything. You need to be careful, because Will isn’t the only one who can feel tension in the air.”

Mike groaned again. “Great. Thanks for the pep talk.”

He ran a hand over his face. “I don’t know if I can do it.

And the fact that he’s laughing so easily with Jamie… it’s making me lose my mind.”

 

Meanwhile, Lucas and Dustin, who had been pretending to look at paint supplies nearby, exchanged a glance.

“Do you see how much time they’ve been whispering without us?” Dustin whispered, nudging Lucas.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Yeah… something’s going on. Max looks way too smug for a casual chat.”

“Should we ask?” Dustin said, peeking at them again. “I mean, I’m curious.”
Lucas shook his head.

“Not yet. Let them stew. This is gonna be good.”

Back with Will and Jamie, the older student was crouched beside a table, showing Will a few brushes and color palettes.

“So, you’re thinking of joining the painting club, yeah?” Jamie asked, flipping through a sketchbook. “Because honestly, your style looks like you’ve already got a good eye. You could jump right in.”

Will blushed lightly. “I—thanks. I’m really excited to try it. I just… never know if I’ll be any good at new stuff.”

Jamie grinned. “Honestly? The only way to get good is to try.

Mistakes are part of it. And hey, if you ever want someone to critique your work—or be a lab rat for experiments—I volunteer.”

Will laughed, the sound warm and easy. “I might take you up on that. You make it sound fun, not intimidating.”

Jamie shrugged, flipping the sketchbook closed. “That’s the goal. Art should be fun, not stressful. Anyway, we can start with some small exercises. How about a quick sketch challenge?”

Will’s eyes lit up. “Yeah! That sounds perfect.”

From the corner of his eye, Mike watched, hands clenched slightly, his stomach twisting. He opened his mouth, ready to step in, but Max’s voice cut through softly.

“Patience, Wheeler,” she whispered. “Now’s not the time. Watch, wait, then make your move. Just… don’t freak out.”

Mike nodded tightly, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“I know. I know.”

Max smirked. “Good. And keep your eyes on Jamie, too. He’s suspicious as hell. Don’t let him see you flinch.”

Mike sighed, leaning against the wall again. Will’s laughter carried across the room, and Jamie’s teasing made it impossible for Mike to look away. He silently cursed the timing, knowing that the longer he waited, the closer Jamie got.

Dustin nudged Lucas again. “Are we sure those two aren’t plotting something?”

Lucas smirked. “Oh, absolutely. And it’s gonna be glorious when it all comes out.”

Meanwhile, Will sketched his first quick exercise, glancing at Jamie for approval, completely unaware of the storm of feelings brewing just across the room.
Will finished his quick sketch, glancing up at Jamie.

“How’s this?” he asked, holding the paper out.

Jamie leaned in, eyes scanning the lines carefully.

“Not bad at all byers,” he said with a grin.

“You’ve got a really good eye for detail. Just needs a little confidence.”

Will laughed softly. “Confidence is exactly what I’m lacking.”

Jamie shrugged. “Well, you’re improving fast. I like that.”

He hesitated for a moment, then asked casually, “Hey… want to hang out later? I can show you some of the studio spaces, maybe we can do a proper art session.”

Will’s face lit up. “Yeah! That sounds awesome. I’d love to.”

Jamie’s grin widened. “Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

Across the room, Mike had been watching silently, shoulders tense, stomach twisting. He knew this was his moment to step up.

He took a deep breath and approached Will, trying to sound casual, trying not to let his panic show.

“Uh, Will?” Mike began, fidgeting slightly. “I was wondering… maybe later tonight, we could have a movie night? Just you and me?”

Will’s eyes widened, then his face softened in a warm, apologetic smile.

“Oh… that sounds nice, Mike. But I actually made plans with Jamie to do some art stuff later.”

Mike froze, the words hitting him harder than he expected. He had been planning to tell Will everything tonight, finally lay it all out, and now… Jamie.

“Oh. Right,” Mike said, forcing a small smile, trying not to let the disappointment show.

“Yeah, that sounds… fun. Enjoy your art session.”

Will, completely oblivious, nodded, still glowing from the earlier conversation.

“Thanks, Mike! We can definitely have a movie night another time, though.”

Mike let out a quiet sigh, trying to keep it together. “Yeah,” he said softly. “Another time.”

As Will walked back toward Jamie, chatting animatedly, Mike stood there for a moment, staring after him, heart pounding. Too late, he thought bitterly. Just… too late.

Max, leaning against the wall nearby, raised an eyebrow knowingly.

“Well… that went well,” she said dryly.
Mike groaned, burying his face in his hands. “No, Max. That went horribly.”

Dustin and Lucas exchanged a grin behind his back.

“Ohhh, things are getting interesting,” Lucas whispered.

 

“Ugh,” he groaned. “This is hopeless.”

Max leaned against the wall, smirking.
“Oh, it’s not hopeless. It’s comically hopeless, which is way more fun to watch.”

Mike shot her a glare. “Comically? Max, I’m about to tell Will how I feel, and he’s already got Jamie… I—”

“Shhh,” Max interrupted, waving a finger. “Breathe.

Okay, first, stop thinking about Jamie. He’s just an obstacle. Second, you need a plan.

You can’t just blurt it out or—”

“Or I’ll look like an idiot?” Mike muttered.

Max laughed. “Exactly. Step one: prep your heart. Step two: prep your words. Step three: don’t panic when he smiles at Jamie and makes you want to combust. Got it?”

Mike groaned again.

“Easier said than done.”

Max leaned closer, grinning, and tapped his shoulder.

“Listen, Wheeler, you’re bad at hiding feelings, but good at caring. Trust that. And if you do it right, he’ll notice. Just… maybe don’t trip over your own feet on the way there.”

Mike let out a weak laugh. “Thanks for the pep talk. Really reassuring.”

From across the room, Dustin nudged Lucas.

“Hey… i wonder what’s going on And why is Max looking like she’s about to smirk a lot?”

Lucas glanced back, eyes narrowing slightly.

“No idea. But apparently, it’s important. Max never smirks this much unless she’s plotting… something.”

Dustin leaned closer. “I know you said we should wait but I feel like we should ask”.

Lucas shook his head, smirking. “Not yet. She’ll tell us… when the time is right. Patience, my friend.”

 

Meanwhile, back at the art studio, Will and Jamie had moved to a smaller, quieter room. Jamie pulled out a few more canvases and brushes, gesturing toward an empty table.

“So,” Jamie said, spreading the materials out, “first exercise: draw something that makes you happy. Doesn’t have to be perfect. Just… honest.”

Will grinned, taking a brush. “Okay. That’s… actually kinda nice.”

Jamie tilted his head, watching him start. “See? Told you art should be fun. Not stressful.”

Will laughed, dipping the brush into bright blue paint. “I just hope I don’t make a mess.”

Jamie leaned closer, playful. “Messes are part of the process. Besides, the best art sometimes comes from accidents.”

Will blushed faintly, smiling.

“I guess that makes me ready for a lot of accidents.”

Jamie laughed. “Good. That’s the spirit. And hey… after this, maybe we can do a little sketching outside.

The campus gardens are nice this time of day.”

Will’s eyes lit up. “I’d like that.”

 

Later, back at Will and Mike’s dorm, the rest of the gang had settled in after their own evening plans.

Lucas flopped onto the couch, tossing a pen at Dustin.

“So, what’s the verdict?” Lucas asked, grinning. “Will’s gone all artsy tonight, right?”

Dustin grinned, leaning back. “Yeah, hanging out with Jamie. I think I saw Will glowing when he left.”

Max snorted from the counter. “He’s definitely smitten. Can’t blame him—Jamie’s nice. But, you know… someone else might be a little jealous.” She gave Mike a pointed look.

Mike’s ears went red, and he groaned, sinking into the armchair.

“Max. Don’t.”

Lucas laughed. “Ohhh, I think I like this version of you, Wheeler. All tense and flustered.”

Dustin chimed in, grinning.

“Yeah, I think Max has a point. Someone’s getting a little worked up over art and smiles, huh?”

Mike groaned again, burying his face in his hands.

“You guys are the worst.”

Max winked. “Not the worst—just observant. But don’t worry. I’ll help you figure it out… eventually. Just be patient.”

Meanwhile, Lucas and Dustin exchanged a look, silently agreeing: this was going to be entertaining to watch.

Following that evening the gang had been hanging out, joking, and teasing, the gang slowly started to drift back toward their dorms.

Lucas and Dustin were laughing about some ridiculous inside joke, Max lingered behind to make sure Mike looked at her occasionally, and soon it was just Mike in the kitchen, the apartment suddenly quiet.

He sighed, glancing at the stove.

“Dinner,” he muttered to himself, turning over the sizzling vegetables.

He was making extra—just in case Will came back hungry later.

Carefully, he saved a small portion in a separate container and put it in the fridge.
Then he leaned against the counter, rubbing his face.

He’s with Jamie right now. Mike’s stomach twisted as he thought about Will laughing, smiling, leaning just a little closer than he normally would.

When’s the right time?
When can I tell him everything?

He spiraled, imagining all the ways he could finally say it, but each scenario seemed too late—because Will was… Will. And Jamie.

 

A few hours later, the sound of the dorm door opening made him jump.

Will came in, grinning ear to ear, holding a small sketchbook.

“Mike! You won’t believe what we did!” he said, practically bouncing as he walked in.

“Jamie showed me this technique with layering paint—look!” He flipped the pages, eyes sparkling.

Mike tried to smile, but it came out tight.

“That’s… cool,” he muttered, voice low, fighting the irritation bubbling up.

Will didn’t notice, still animated.

“And then we tried some outside sketching. The gardens were amazing! And Jamie’s style is… wow, Mike, you’d love it.”

Mike felt his jaw tighten. “Wait—Jamie? You were outside with him? All this time?”

Will blinked. “Yeah… why?”

Mike’s voice rose slightly, his frustration leaking through.

“Why?

Why were you all over there with him? Are you just… hanging out, or is there something else going on?”

Will’s face fell, hurt flashing across his features. “Mike, what are you talking about? It’s just art!”

Mike ran a hand through his hair, gripping the counter.

“It’s never just art, Will! You’re glowing, you’re… you’re not the same when you come back from him! And I—I just…”

He stopped, swallowing hard.

Will took a step back, eyes narrowing.

“Just what, Mike?” His voice was quiet, but it cut deep.

Mike finally blurted, “I… I wanted to tell you everything tonight, but you’re always… always distracted by someone else!”

Will blinked, hurt and shock mingling. “Distracted? Mike, I wasn’t trying to—”

Mike groaned, frustrated. “I can’t do this right now. I just… I can’t!”

Will’s eyes flashed with frustration.

“Then fine. If that’s how you feel…”

Before Mike could respond, Will grabbed his jacket and the sketchbook Jamie had lent him and stormed out the door, muttering,

“I’m going to Jamie’s dorm!”

The door slammed behind him, leaving Mike standing in the kitchen, fists clenched, chest tight, and stomach churning.

He sank onto a chair, staring at the stove. Dinner sat forgotten. Too late. I waited too long.

In the quiet of the empty dorm, Mike ran a hand through his hair again, knowing that if he didn’t fix this soon… he might lose the chance to tell Will how he truly felt.

Chapter Text

It was late—3:30 a.m., to be exact.
Mike had been awake for hours, slumped on the couch with Will’s cassette player balanced beside him, the volume low but not quiet enough to disappear. Mixtapes played softly in the background as he nursed a beer, then another, his words blurring as he half-sang along under his breath.

An empty six-pack sat on the floor nearby.
He was just reaching for another when he heard the door.

Will slipped inside carefully, shoes in hand, moving slowly like a thief in his own dorm. He’d assumed Mike would be asleep by now.

That it was safe.

He was wrong.

When Will turned, he was met with the sight of a very drunk Mike staring back at him from the couch.

“Micheal,” Will said quietly, his voice tight with hurt, disappointment—and something dangerously close to guilt.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Mike grinned lazily. “Ohhh… heyy, darling,” he said, his tone teasing, almost mocking.

Will’s stomach twisted.

“You’re home,” Mike continued, slurring. “Extremely late. I thought y-you were staying at… what’s-his-name’s house. Jack’s? Jamie’s?” He took another swig.

“Mike, you need to slow down,” Will snapped. “What were you even thinking? Where did you get all this? You’ve nearly drunk the whole pack—are you crazy?”

Mike laughed hollowly. “Ohhh… I’m sorryyy. I didn’t know you actually cared. Thought you were too busy making out with lover boy.”

“Y-you know,” he added, shifting restlessly, drinking again like he couldn’t sit still.
“I thought w-we were… in this together, baby.”

The words hit Will like a punch.

“What did you just say?” he demanded, anger and confusion colliding.

Mike’s gaze dropped. “Nothing. Doesn’t matter.”

Will stared him down, jaw clenched.

“You know what? We’ll deal with whatever this is in the morning.”

He grabbed his jacket.

“Get Max.”

“W-what?” Will asked, startled—but already moving.

“Get help, Will,” Mike mumbled. “I need to talk to Max.”

“Okay—okay,” Will said sharply. “Let me get you a jacket and shoes.

And you better try to act at least somewhat normal, Micheal Wheeler. Do you understand me?”

Mike only smiled.

 

The walk to Max’s dorm was quiet.
When they reached the door, Will turned, searching Mike’s face for answers. Instead, he found something else—something intense.

Mike was staring at him openly now, eyes full of want, longing, something raw and unguarded.

Robin’s words echoed in Will’s head.

There are signs.

You just have to know how to see them.

Will flushed and tore his gaze away, anger rushing back in. He knocked softly, three times.

“Max?”

“Max, please—this is a co—”

The door swung open.

“Code red?” Max muttered. “William, it’s nearly four a—”

She stopped, eyes snapping to Mike.

“Hold on.”

She scanned him once. Twice.

“Holy shit,” she said. “Are you drunk?”

“Max, this isn’t funny,” Will said, voice cracking.

The words spilled out of him all at once.

“I’m mad at Mike.

We had an argument, and I stayed out with Jamie, and he asked me on a date and I said yes, and I had a nightmare and came back thinking this idiot was asleep—only to find him drunk as hell and I just—I can’t deal with this right now. I can’t believe he’s started drinking.”

Silence.

Will realized what he’d just said.

Mike blinked. “W-wait… what did you say?” he slurred, pushing weakly off Will.

Max’s jaw dropped.

“Hang on. Jamie as in the Jamie you met today?”

“Yes,” Will snapped. “And so what? I’m allowed to branch out. I’m tired of just being Will Byers—the quiet kid.”

Mike’s face hardened. “Just leave, Will. It’s clear you don’t give a shit about us.”

“Okay, Wheeler, that’s enough,” Max said firmly, guiding Mike to the couch.

She turned back to Will, voice softening.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s drunk and emotional and has no idea what he’s saying. Just talk tomorrow.”

She squeezed his arm. “Don’t let one argument ruin a lifelong friendship.”
Will exhaled shakily.

“Go back to your dorm,” Max said gently.

“Get some sleep. I’ll deal with the dipshit.”
They both rolled their eyes.

“Heyyy,” Mike mumbled from the couch. “I heard that.”

Will smiled faintly. “Thanks, Max.”

“Anything for our sorcerer,” she said with a smirk.

After Will left, Max closed the door and turned—only to find Dustin standing there, staring.

“Dude,” he said slowly, sniffing the air.

“Why is Mike on our couch and why does he smell like—”
“…alcohol?”

His eyes widened.

“Holy shit. Did Mike drink for the first time?”

“I wouldn’t look so proud,” Max said flatly.

“Okay,” Dustin said. “What happened?”

She hesitated. “I’m not telling you everything yet.”

“But Mike and Will had a bad fight.”

“I’m assuming Mike drank because of it—and because Will’s going on a date with that artsy guy we met today.”

“Wait,” Dustin said. “Jamie? The guy Will spent all evening with?”

“That dude?”

“Yup,” Max said. “And I don’t trust him. He’s moving way too fast. It’s suspicious.”

Dustin nodded slowly. “I mean… I’m happy for Will. But yeah. You don’t ask someone out on day two of college.”

“Should we get Lucas?” he asked.

“Nah,” Max said. “Let him sleep. We’ll deal with this mess in the morning.”

She glanced at Mike, already half-asleep on the couch.

“We’re gonna need the energy.”

Dustin chuckled. “Yeah. Definitely.”

“Night, Max.”

“Night, nerd.”

 

Will was dragged out of sleep by loud knocking.

“Will. Will—Will,” Lucas’s voice called through the door.

“If you don’t answer in five seconds, I’m coming in.”

Will groaned, burying his face into his pillow.

“I’m awake,” he muttered, voice hoarse.

“I’m awake.”

He shuffled to the door, hair a mess, eyes still heavy.

Lucas stood there with a coffee in one hand and a look on his face that said we need to talk.

“You look like shit,” Lucas said bluntly.

“Thanks,” Will replied, stepping aside to let him in.

“It’s been a night.”

Lucas glanced around the room. “Yeah. I gathered that.”

Will sat on the edge of his bed and rubbed his eyes.

“Is Mike okay?”

Lucas hesitated.

“Physically? Yeah. Emotionally?” He sighed. “That’s… complicated.”

Will swallowed.

“I didn’t mean for things to blow up like that.”

“I know,” Lucas said gently. “But, Will—Mike’s been spiraling. Hard.”

Will stood and started pulling on clean clothes.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“No,” Lucas said quickly. “You didn’t. I’m just saying… a lot of stuff came out last night.”

Will paused. “Like what?”

Lucas studied him for a second. “You should hear it from Mike. Not me.”

That didn’t help the knot forming in Will’s chest.

 

A little later, Lucas met back up with the others in Max’s dorm. Mike was awake now, sitting stiffly on the couch with a pounding headache and a blanket over his shoulders.

Dustin leaned against the desk. “Okay. So. We’re all here.

Max, you gonna explain now?”

Max crossed her arms. “Mike, your move.”

Mike groaned. “You told them?”

“Some of it,” Max said. “Not the important part. That’s on you.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Dude… what’s going on?”

Mike rubbed his face. “I screwed up.”

“That much we figured out,” Dustin said.

“But like… emotionally or catastrophically?”

Mike sighed. “Both.”

Max nudged him with her foot. “Tell them.”

Mike swallowed. “I—” He glanced away.

“I’m in love with Will.”

The room went quiet.

Dustin’s mouth fell open. “Wait—what?”

Lucas blinked. “Since when?”

Mike laughed weakly. “Since always?”

Max smirked. “See? Told you.”

Dustin sat down hard on the bed. “Holy shit. That explains… literally everything.”

Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “Okay. So. You’re in love with Will, he’s going on dates with Jamie, and you drank yourself into oblivion.”

“Yeah,” Mike muttered.

“Pretty much.”

Max leaned forward.

“Which is why you need to confess. Soon. Before you lose him completely.”

Mike shook his head. “What if it ruins everything?”

Dustin frowned. “What if not telling him does?”

Lucas nodded. “You can’t keep doing this, man. Watching him move on and pretending you’re fine.”

Mike’s voice cracked. “I just don’t want to hurt him.”

Max softened. “You already are.”

That hit.

 

Meanwhile, Will walked across campus alone, Jamie’s words replaying in his head.

A party. Tonight. At my place.
It still felt unreal.

Jamie had smiled when he asked, casual but hopeful, and Will had said yes before he could overthink it. A real date. A real party. Jamie even said he could invite his friends.

My friends, Will thought.

Mike. Lucas. Dustin. Max.

The idea made his chest ache in a way he didn’t want to unpack yet.

He spotted Jamie near the art building, sketchbook under his arm.

“Hey,” Jamie said warmly. “You made it.”
Will smiled.

“Yeah. I was actually hoping to ask you something.”

Jamie tilted his head. “Shoot.”

“So… about the party,” Will said, nervous. “You said I could invite people?”

“Of course,” Jamie said easily. “I want you to feel comfortable. Bring whoever you want.”

Will exhaled, relieved. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

Jamie smiled, then gestured toward the quad. “Wanna walk?”

Will nodded, but his thoughts drifted—back to Mike. To the argument. To the look in his eyes last night.

Why does this feel so complicated? Will wondered.

He liked Jamie. He really did.

But something told him tonight wasn’t going to be simple.

 

Will found the rest of the group gathered near the quad, backpacks slung over shoulders, coffee cups in hand.

The second he spotted Mike, his chest tightened—but Mike looked just as uncomfortable, standing stiffly beside Max.

There was a beat of silence.

Dustin clapped his hands once, way too loud. “Okay! Great! Everyone’s here.

Nobody’s yelling, nobody’s drunk—huge improvement from last night.”

“Dustin,” Lucas muttered.

“What? I’m helping.”

Will shifted his weight, eyes flicking to Mike and then away.

Max noticed immediately.

“So,” she said brightly, far too brightly,
“classes start in, like, twenty minutes. Anyone else wildly underprepared?”

Lucas nodded. “I already got lost twice.”

“Same,” Will said quietly, grateful for the normalcy.

Mike cleared his throat. “Uh… Will?”

Will looked at him. “Yeah?”

“I—” Mike stopped, visibly forcing himself to breathe. “I just wanted to say… about last night. I was out of line. Completely.”

The group collectively went very still.

“I shouldn’t have yelled,” Mike continued. “And I definitely shouldn’t have said half the stuff I did. I was drunk, yeah, but that’s not an excuse.” He swallowed. “I’m really sorry.”

Will searched his face. “You scared me,” he admitted softly.

Mike nodded immediately. “I know. And I hate that. I’d never want to hurt you. Ever.”

Max jumped in gently, sensing the moment tipping.

“Okay, good start. Apology acknowledged. We breathe, we move forward.”

Dustin nodded vigorously. “Yes. Forward motion. Healing vibes.”

Lucas added, “We’re all exhausted and emotional. Let’s not pretend college hasn’t already wrecked us.”

That got a small smile out of Will.

“I accept your apology,” Will said finally. “I just… need things to not be like that again.”

“They won’t be,” Mike said quickly. “I promise.”

The tension eased—not gone, but manageable.

After a moment, Will hesitated, then spoke up.

“Um… Jamie’s throwing a party tonight. He invited me, and he said I could bring people.”

He glanced around. “If you guys want to come.”

Dustin’s eyes lit up. “A party? With people we don’t know? Absolutely.”

Lucas shrugged. “Could be fun.”

Max smirked. “I’m not missing that.”

Will looked at Mike last. “You too. If you want.”

Mike’s heart stuttered. He forced himself to nod. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

As they started heading toward their separate buildings, Mike slowed his pace until he was walking beside Will.

The others drifted ahead, deliberately giving them space.

“Hey,” Mike said quietly. “Can we talk for a second?”

Will stopped. “Okay.”

Mike shoved his hands into his pockets, eyes fixed on the ground.

“I really am sorry. Not just for last night. For… making things weird. For acting jealous. For not just talking to you like a normal person.”

Will softened a little. “Why were you so mad?”

Mike hesitated. This wasn’t the confession—not yet—but he couldn’t lie.

“Because I care about you,” he said simply. “And sometimes I don’t handle that very well.”

Will nodded slowly. “I care about you too, Mike.”

Mike looked up at that, hope flickering before he forced it back down.

“I know. I just… wanted to say sorry before tonight. Before the party.”

“I’m glad you did,” Will said. “I don’t want things to be awkward.”

“Me neither.”

There was a pause. Not uncomfortable—just heavy.

“Well,” Will said, adjusting his bag strap, “I should get to class.”

“Yeah,” Mike agreed. “Me too.”

They started walking in opposite

directions, then both glanced back at the same time.

“Hey, Will?” Mike called.
“Yeah?”

“I’m… really glad you invited me.”

Will smiled. “Me too.”

As they parted, Mike exhaled shakily. It wasn’t the confession he wanted—but it was a start.
And tonight, with music and people and too many feelings in one room, he knew everything was about to change.

 

Will barely registered anything the professor was saying.

He sat near the window, sunlight spilling across his desk, his sketchbook open in front of him. His pencil moved on instinct, lines forming faces and shapes without him really thinking about it.

Mike’s face appeared more than once before Will quickly scribbled it out, cheeks warming.

I’m really sorry.

The words replayed in his head. Mike’s voice had been steady, sincere. No excuses. Just honesty.

It had been… nice. Comforting, even.

It made the tight feeling in Will’s chest ease just a little. He still didn’t fully understand what had made Mike act the way he did, but the apology mattered. A lot.

Will shaded in the corner of the page, a small smile tugging at his lips as his thoughts drifted forward instead.

Tonight. The party. Jamie’s easy grin when he’d invited him.

The fact that he could bring his friends.

All of them, Will thought fondly.

Mike. Lucas. Dustin. Max.

He doodled a little group of stick figures at the bottom of the page, music notes floating above them, then paused.

What if we all get ready together?

The idea made him grin. His dorm with Mike was already familiar, already theirs. Loud music, outfits scattered everywhere, Dustin complaining, Max stealing clothes, Lucas pretending not to care.
He scribbled the words party tonight in the margin and underlined them twice.

 

Later that afternoon, Will caught up with the group outside the lecture hall. Dustin was mid-rant about how unfair morning classes were.

“I’m telling you,” Dustin said, “no one should be expected to function before noon.”

Max smirked. “You say that every semester.”

Will hesitated for a second, then spoke up.

“Hey—um. About tonight.”

Lucas looked over. “Yeah?”

“I was thinking…”

Will glanced at Mike briefly before looking back at the group.

“Do you guys want to get ready at mine and Mike’s dorm? That way we can all go together.”

Dustin gasped. “Group getting-ready montage? Absolutely.”

Max nodded immediately. “I call dibs on the mirror.”

Lucas shrugged. “Works for me.”

Will turned to Mike last, nervous for reasons he didn’t fully understand.

“Is that okay with you?”

Mike smiled, softer than Will expected.

“Yeah,” he said. “That sounds… really nice.”

Will relaxed at that, smiling back.

“Cool,” Will said, feeling lighter. “Then we’ll meet there after classes.”

Dustin clapped his hands. “Perfect. I’ll bring the vibe.”

“And I’ll bring the judgement,” Max added.

Mike chuckled. “Of course you will.”

As they started heading off again, Will felt a warmth settle in his chest.

Tonight wasn’t just about the party. It was about being together.

About laughter and music and shared space.

And maybe—just maybe—about things finally starting to make sense.

 

Back at the dorm, Max was perched on Will’s bed flipping through a small notebook while Mike leaned against the desk, arms crossed.

“You’re pacing,”

Max said without looking up.

Mike froze. “No, I’m not.”

“You’ve walked past that door six times,”

she replied flatly.

“You’re spiraling.”

Mike sighed. “I just want tonight to not be weird.”

Max glanced up at him.

“Then stop making it weird in your head. You apologized. That mattered.”

“What if I screw it up again?”

Max smirked. “Then I’ll kick you. Lightly. Emotionally.”

Mike snorted. “Thanks. That helps.”

She softened. “You’re doing better than you think, Wheeler. Just… be present.”

Will stood in front of the mirror adjusting his jacket when Max wandered over.

“You excited?” Max asked.

Will smiled. “Yeah. Nervous. But excited.”

She studied him for a second.

“You okay… with everything? Mike. Jamie. All of it.”

Will nodded slowly. “I think so. Mike’s apology helped. A lot.”

Max smiled faintly. “Good. You deserve honesty.”

Across the room, Dustin was hyping himself up while Lucas watched in mild concern.

“Okay,” Dustin said, fixing his hair.

“Tonight, we socialize. We mingle. We thrive.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You’ve had one good haircut and now you’re unstoppable.”

Mike walked over. “Steve would be proud.”

Dustin beamed. “You know it.”

Will joined Lucas and Dustin by the door.

“So,” Dustin said, “you ready for your official college party debut?”

Will laughed. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Lucas nudged him. “You’ve got all of us. You’ll be fine.”

Will smiled at that. “Yeah. I know.”

They headed out together, the night cool and buzzing with energy. When they arrived at Jamie’s place around 9:30 p.m., music drifted out the open windows, lights glowing warm against the dark.

They paused for a second outside.

Dustin grinned. “Perfect timing. Not early, not late.”

Mike glanced at Will. Will glanced back.
Max smirked.

“Alright. Let’s do this.”

They stepped inside together, sharing looks of pure excitement—and for the first time that day, everything felt exactly where it was supposed to be.

And somewhere, Steve Harrington would’ve been very proud.

 

The party was in full swing by the time they arrived. Neon lights flickered against the walls, music blasting from a cassette deck in the corner. A mix of The Cure, New Order, The Smiths, and Prince spun through the room, making it impossible not to move.

The scent of cheap beer and popcorn mingled with the faint perfume of the other students.

Dustin practically dragged everyone toward the drinks table.

“Alright! Who’s ready for college initiation? First-time drinkers, this is it!”

Lucas raised a brow at him. “Initiation? Really?”

Max rolled her eyes, smirking. “You’re a walking cliché, Dustin.”

Will glanced at Mike nervously.

“Uh… maybe we shouldn’t overdo it?”

Mike forced a casual grin. “No, it’s fine. Totally fine.” In reality, his stomach was twisting.

He’d already had his first taste of alcohol last night… but now watching everyone else grab beers and cups of punch, he felt… panicked.

He hadn’t told Will everything yet. He doesn’t know. He can’t know yet. I have to tell him before the night ends.

Dustin held up a plastic cup. “To new experiences!”

“To new experiences!” everyone echoed, including Will, who glanced at Mike before clinking his cup.

Max leaned toward Mike with a teasing grin.

“You’re awfully quiet. First time drinking with everyone else, huh?”

Mike forced a laugh. “Yeah… first time.” (Not mentioning last night.)

Lucas nudged him. “Careful, Wheeler. You look like you’re about to implode.”

Mike swallowed hard. “I just… need a second.” He took a sip of soda instead, pretending it was beer.

Will laughed softly. “You’re acting like you haven’t done this before.”

Mike’s stomach tightened. I haven’t told him. Not yet.

The music shifted to “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure, and suddenly the living room was packed with students dancing awkwardly but enthusiastically.

Dustin grabbed Will’s hand. “Come on! Dance!”

Will smiled and let himself be pulled onto the floor. Mike hesitated, then followed, forcing a smile as he tried to blend in. Max and Lucas laughed, weaving between dancers.

Dustin shouted over the music, “Mike! Don’t just stand there—dance!”

Mike blinked at him, panicking inwardly. I have to tell him tonight. But when? I don’t have time…

Will twirled under Dustin’s arm, laughing, the weight of the week finally lifting a little. His eyes met Mike’s across the room, and Mike’s chest clenched. Every laugh, every smile—it was all for him, and Mike didn’t know how to stop it from hurting.

A moment later, Jamie appeared next to Will, holding his sketchbook like a trophy.

“Hey,” Jamie said softly, pulling him away from the crowd.

“Thanks for coming. You look… great tonight.”

Will’s cheeks warmed. “Thanks. You too.”

Jamie glanced back at the group. “I’m thinking of showing you a few people real quick… just for a minute. You okay with that?”

Will nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

As they walked a little away from the main crowd, Mike’s heart sank. Now’s my chance. But he’s gone. And Jamie… God, he’s taking him away.

Mike’s hands fisted at his sides.

“Okay, think. Timing, Mike. Perfect timing.”

Max, noticing him from across the room, leaned toward him. “Relax. He’ll come back. Don’t freak yourself out.”

Mike shook his head. “No, Max. He doesn’t know. And I… I have to tell him tonight. I have to.”

Lucas smirked at Mike, raising a beer cup. “Deep breath. You’re overthinking it.”

Mike mumbled, “Overthinking it? It’s Will Byers.”

Dustin grabbed Mike’s shoulder. “Alright, Wheeler. First time drinking with the gang? You can handle this. Cheers!”

Mike forced a smile and tapped his cup against Dustin’s. “Cheers,” he muttered, though he barely sipped.

Meanwhile, back on the dance floor, Will and Jamie laughed at something one of the other students said. Jamie leaned closer, sketchbook tucked under one arm.

“You look happy tonight,” Jamie said softly.

Will nodded, twirling a loose strand of hair.

“Yeah. With everyone here… it’s nice. And thanks for letting me bring friends.”

Jamie smiled. “Of course. I wanted everyone to feel included.”

Will glanced back at the group. Max and Lucas were dancing near the stereo, Dustin was mid-spin with a drink in hand, and Mike… Mike was hovering awkwardly, trying to smile. His chest tightened again. I have to tell him. I have to.

The music shifted to “Blue Monday” by New Order, the bass thumping through the floorboards. Students were drinking, laughing, dancing, and someone had started a game of flip-cup in the corner.

Max yelled over the noise to Dustin, “Stop cheating!”

Dustin shot back, “I’m not cheating, I’m strategically winning!”

Mike watched Will laugh with Jamie, the sight making his chest ache.

This is my chance, Mike. You can do this. Just… not now. Not yet.

He tried to shake the panic, sipped his drink again, and forced himself to join a group dance near Lucas. But every time Will smiled, every time he laughed, the knot in Mike’s stomach tightened further.

I just need one moment. One clear moment. Then I’ll tell him everything.

The party was alive, loud, and electric. The music, the alcohol, the laughter—it was perfect. And Mike was terrified it would end before he could finally be honest.

 

The music shifted to “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League, the beat making the floor thrum beneath their feet.

Drinks in hand, the group circled together on the living room carpet, a little space cleared for a game of Truth or Dare.

“Okay,” Dustin said, grinning, “truth or dare. Mike, you first!”

Mike’s heart stopped. He hadn’t expected this.

“Uh… truth,” he muttered, voice tight.

Max smirked. “Perfect. Tell us… do you have a crush on someone here?”

Mike’s throat went dry. He forced a laugh, taking a nervous sip of his drink. “Uh… maybe?”

Everyone leaned in, expectant.

“Who?” Dustin asked eagerly.

Mike’s stomach flipped.

Don’t look at him. Don’t say anything. Just breathe.

But of course, he couldn’t look anywhere else but Will. The words got stuck somewhere between his brain and his mouth.

“Uh… it’s complicated,” he muttered.

Will’s gaze flicked to him, calm but curious.

Mike felt the heat rise. He swore he could feel it in his chest, tightening, twisting.

Max rolled her eyes. “Complicated? Ohhh… you’re definitely hiding something.”

Lucas nudged him. “Mike, you’ve got like… five seconds to clarify or you’re doomed.”

Mike panicked internally, glancing at Will again.

Not now. Not tonight. Wait for the right moment…

He nodded awkwardly, muttering, “It’s nothing,” and excused himself to grab another drink, heart hammering.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group turned their attention to Jamie, who had been quietly observing.

“Truth or dare?” Dustin asked.
Jamie laughed, leaning back on the carpet. “Truth, I guess.”

“Cool,” Max said. “How do you know Will?”

Jamie grinned. “We met in the art major group. He’s… really talented. I wanted to get to know him better, so I invited him tonight.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “So you’re the artsy guy who’s stealing our quiet kid away?”

Jamie shrugged. “Not stealing. Just… trying to be friends. He’s easy to like.”

Will smiled faintly, cheeks warm.

“And “I just met him. That’s all that matters tonight.”

After a few more rounds, Jamie leaned closer to Will. “Hey… can we talk for a minute?”

Will glanced at the group. “Uh… sure.”

Jamie led him to a quieter corner, sketchbook tucked under his arm.

“I know this is sudden, but… I really like you, Will. And I was wondering… would you be my boyfriend?”

Will blinked, stunned, but his chest swelled with warmth.

“Yes,” he said softly, smiling. “I’d really like that.”

Jamie grinned, pulling him into a small hug.

“Good. I’ve been wanting to ask for a while.”

Will laughed quietly. “I’m glad you finally did.”

Back in the main circle, Max nudged Lucas.

“I think he just got stolen.”

Dustin leaned over. “No kidding. Did you see that grin?”

Will rejoined the group, glowing, cheeks flushed.

“Hey,” he said casually. “Jamie asked me to be his boyfriend, and… I said yes.”

The group erupted in quiet cheers. Max laughed. “Finally! About time someone stepped up.”

Dustin clapped him on the back. “That’s amazing, Will!”

Lucas smirked. “Okay, okay. Don’t let it go to your head… but yeah. Good for you.”

Will smiled, looking toward Jamie, who had a proud little grin on his face.

Then Jamie leaned over and kissed him softly, right there in front of everyone.

Mike froze, heart lurching violently. The sight made him feel dizzy, hollow, panicked.

This isn’t the right time. I don’t have time… I need to tell him first…

Without thinking, he muttered something about grabbing air and bolted out of the living room, slamming the door behind him.

The group froze.

Dustin’s jaw dropped. “Uh… what just happened?”

Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “He’s freaking out. Big time.”

Max sighed. “Mike. Classic. He’s jealous, panicking, and he needs like… ten minutes alone before he says something stupid.”
Will looked down, cheeks still pink.

“Mike…?”

Dustin looked at him with wide eyes. “Uh… Will… he just walked out.”

Will’s stomach twisted. “I… I’ll go check on him,” he muttered, worry creeping in.

Max put a hand on his shoulder.

“Maybe let him cool off. He’ll come around. And hey, at least you got your first real boyfriend moment, yeah?”

Will smiled faintly, then glanced back at the group. “Yeah… I did.”

Dustin shook his head. “This is going to be a messy night.”

Lucas groaned. “Understatement of the century.”

Max laughed softly. “Welcome to 1989, kids.”

The music pulsed through the walls, the floor vibrating with bass. Drinks were still flowing, people were dancing, and everyone knew this night was far from over.

 

Mike didn’t stay outside long.
The cold air barely touched him before he turned back around and shoved his way into the party, eyes unfocused, jaw tight.

The music felt louder now, bass thumping straight through his chest.

A few people noticed him come back in—Max especially—but he didn’t look at any of them.

He went straight for the drinks table.
“Mike—” Max started, but he was already grabbing the biggest bottle he could find, something cheap and strong that burned just looking at it.

Dustin stared. “Dude, what are you doing?”

Mike didn’t answer. He tilted the bottle back and drank, not stopping, not caring.

The alcohol burned all the way down, his eyes watering, his hands shaking just slightly when he finally lowered it.

Lucas swore under his breath. “Jesus. Mike, slow down.”

Mike wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and laughed—a sharp, hollow sound that didn’t belong to him at all.

“I’m fine.”

He wasn’t.

Someone bumped into him—a guy around their age, messy hair, clearly already drunk, clearly interested. The guy said something Mike didn’t even register, just smiled at him like he was worth looking at.
And Mike, heart aching, thoughts spiraling, didn’t think at all.

He leaned in and kissed him.
It was sudden.

Heated.

Meaningless.

The room seemed to freeze.

Max’s eyes went wide. “What the hell—”

Dustin looked like his brain had short-circuited. “Is— is Mike kissing that guy??”

Lucas stood up immediately. “Okay, no.
This is bad.”

Will felt like the floor dropped out from under him.

His chest went tight, breath shallow, eyes locked on Mike—not on the kiss itself, but on the way Mike looked so lost, so desperate, like he was trying to drown something inside himself.

Jamie stiffened beside Will. “Is he… okay?”

Mike pulled away just as suddenly as he’d leaned in. He didn’t even look at the guy again. He set the empty bottle down hard, hands shaking now, and scanned the room—finally landing on Will.

For half a second, their eyes met.

Then Mike turned and walked out.

The door slammed.

Silence followed, broken only by the music still playing, wildly out of place now.

“What the fuck was that?” Dustin blurted.

Lucas was already moving. “I’m going after him.”

Max grabbed his arm. “Wait—he could be anywhere. We should split up.”

Will swallowed hard, guilt and worry twisting together in his stomach.

“I—I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

Jamie looked at him carefully now, suspicion creeping into his expression.

“That didn’t look like nothing, Will.”

Will turned to him quickly. “I’m so sorry. Mike’s… complicated. He didn’t mean to cause a scene. This is on me.”

Jamie frowned slightly. “Is it?”

Will hesitated, then nodded.

“I should’ve talked to him sooner. I didn’t think he’d—” He stopped himself, shaking his head. “I’m really sorry.”

Jamie exhaled, clearly unsettled but trying not to push. “Okay. I just… didn’t expect that.”

Across the room, Max was already barking orders.

“Dustin, check outside. Lucas, try the street. I’ll stay here in case he comes back.”

Dustin nodded, panic written all over his face. “Why would he do that?”

Max muttered, “Because he’s in love and terrible at coping.”

Will stood there, heart pounding, staring at the door Mike had disappeared through.

The party noise felt wrong now.
Too loud. Too careless. Like the walls didn’t know something had cracked wide open.

Will slipped down the hallway and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

He leaned against it, chest tight, breathing shallow. The bass from the living room thumped faintly through the walls, muffled and distant.

I’m really sorry, Mike’s voice echoed in his head from earlier that day.

Will squeezed his eyes shut.

The apology had been real. He knew that.

That was the worst part. Mike hadn’t kissed that guy because he wanted to.

Will could see it now. It had been reckless. Desperate. Like he was trying to prove something to himself. Or punish himself.
Or both.

Will dragged a hand down his face, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His cheeks were still flushed from Jamie’s kiss. From the excitement. From the happiness that now felt… tainted.
The door creaked open.

Jamie stepped inside quietly. “Hey,” he said, voice gentle but careful. “You okay?”

Will turned, guilt immediately flooding his chest. “I’m so sorry about that. About Mike. He didn’t mean to—”

Jamie cut him off softly.

“Will.” He studied him for a moment.

“Does he always react like that around you?”

Will hesitated.

That hesitation was answer enough.

Jamie exhaled slowly. “I’m not mad. I’m just… confused.”

He folded his arms loosely. “That didn’t look like nothing.”

Will swallowed. “He’s my best friend.

We’ve been through a lot together. I should’ve handled things better.”

Jamie nodded, but his eyes were sharp now. Observant.

“I don’t want to be caught in the middle of something unfinished.”

Will’s chest tightened.

“It’s not unfinished,” he said quickly—then paused. His voice softened. “I don’t think.”

Jamie didn’t push. “Okay. I just needed to ask.”

Back in the living room, Max was very much done with everyone.

“Party’s over for you,” she snapped at a guy gawking near the door. “Go dance. Or drink. Or literally anywhere else.”

Dustin hovered near the couch, wringing his hands. “This is bad, Max. Like… really bad.”

Lucas came back in from outside, breathless. “He’s not out there.”

Max’s jaw tightened. “Check the street. The corner store. Anywhere he might go when he’s spiraling.”

“Why would he do that?” Dustin asked, voice cracking slightly. “Why would he just—kiss someone and leave?”

Max rubbed her temples. “Because he waited too long. And now he’s watching someone else stand where he was too scared to.”

Lucas grimaced. “So what—he just disappeared?”

Max’s eyes flicked to the drinks table.
Mike’s jacket was draped over a chair.
And next to it—his Walkman, the headphones tangled, a cassette still inside.

Max picked it up slowly. “Shit.”

Dustin recognized it instantly. “That’s his.”

Lucas’s stomach dropped. “He wouldn’t leave that.”

Max swallowed. “Unless he didn’t plan on leaving.”

Will stepped back into the living room just as Dustin rushed toward him.

“He’s gone,” Dustin said. “Like—really gone.”

Will froze. “What do you mean, gone?”

Lucas shook his head. “We checked outside. He’s not there.”

Max held up the Walkman. “He left this.”

Will stared at it, his heart pounding painfully.

“He never leaves that.”

“I know,” Max said quietly.

Jamie stood beside Will, his expression unreadable now.

“Are you sure he’s okay?”

Will shook his head. “No. I don’t think he is.”

Max straightened. “Okay. New plan. We don’t panic—but we do find him.”

Dustin nodded quickly. “Yeah. Yeah, we can split up.”

Lucas glanced at Will. “You shouldn’t go alone.”

Will swallowed. “I can’t just stay here.”

Jamie hesitated, then spoke carefully. “I’ll stay back.

You should… take care of him.”

Will looked at him, grateful and conflicted all at once. “Thank you.”

As they moved toward the door, Will glanced back one last time—at the party still pulsing behind them, at the Walkman in Max’s hands, at the night waiting outside.

Mike Wheeler had vanished into it.

And none of them knew how far he’d gone—or how badly he might be hurting.

Chapter Text

Mike Wheeler sat on the cold concrete steps behind the arts building, the empty bottle discarded somewhere nearby, his head buried in his hands. The night air bit at his skin, sobering him just enough to feel everything all at once.

The party noise was gone now. The laughter. The music. All of it replaced by the echo of his own thoughts.

Will’s smile burned behind his closed eyes.
Will saying yes.

Will kissing someone who wasn’t him.

Mike let out a shaky breath, dragging his fingers through his hair. His chest ached like something had been ripped out and left bleeding.

He hadn’t even gotten the chance to say it.

Not once.

Not ever.

“I waited too long,”

he whispered hoarsely.

The words disappeared into the night, swallowed whole.

He tipped his head back, staring at the dark sky, blinking hard as regret settled heavy in his bones. He thought about the apology from earlier, how close he’d been to telling Will everything then. How he’d promised himself tonight would be different.

Now Jamie had him.

And Mike had nothing but bad timing and a thousand unsaid words.

Footsteps crunched softly on the gravel behind the arts building.
Mike stiffened, shoulders tensing as he straightened slightly, wiping his face with the sleeve of his jacket. He didn’t turn around. He didn’t have to.

“Mike,” Max’s voice cut through the quiet, sharp with relief and frustration all at once. “Jesus Christ.”

Will appeared beside her, breathless, hair a little messy like he’d been running. The sight of him made Mike’s chest seize painfully.

There he was.

Safe. Worried. Real.

“Mike,” Will said again, softer this time.

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Mike laughed weakly, still not meeting his eyes. “Yeah. Figured.”

Max crossed her arms, trying to hide the shake in her hands.

“You scared the hell out of us, you know that?”

“Wasn’t my intention,” Mike muttered.

“Kind of my thing lately—screwing everything up without meaning to.”

Will took a hesitant step closer. “Why did you leave like that?”

Mike swallowed hard. His jaw tightened.

“Because I couldn’t stay.”

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.

Max glanced between the two of them, then sighed. “I’m gonna… give you a minute,” she said quietly. “But I’m not far. Don’t do anything stupid.” Her eyes lingered on Mike. “Please.”

When she stepped away, the night seemed even quieter.

Will sat down beside Mike on the cold concrete, close but not touching. Close enough that Mike could feel his warmth. It was unbearable.

“You didn’t say anything,” Will said carefully. “You just… left.”

Mike nodded. “Yeah.”

“Mike,” Will pressed. “Why?”

Mike finally looked at him.

Big mistake.

Will’s eyes were full of worry. Not anger.Not judgment. Just concern. It made something in Mike break.

“I couldn’t watch it,” he said, voice rough.

“I couldn’t watch him kiss you like that and pretend I was okay.”

Will’s breath hitched. “Mike…”

“I know,” Mike rushed on, words tumbling out now.

“I know you didn’t do anything wrong. I know I don’t get to be upset. I just—” He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “

I waited. Like an idiot. And now it’s too late.”

Will stared at him, heart pounding. “Is that why you—why you did what you did?”

Mike looked away again, shame burning hot.

“It didn’t mean anything,” he said quickly. “I swear. It was stupid and reckless and I hated it even while it was happening. I just wanted it to stop hurting for like… two seconds.”

Will swallowed, fingers curling into his sleeves.

“You could’ve talked to me.”

Mike’s voice cracked.

“I didn’t think I was allowed to.”

“That’s not true,” Will said quietly.

Mike shook his head.

“You said yes to him.”

“I didn’t know,” Will whispered. “You never told me.”

That landed harder than anything else.
Mike stared at the ground between his shoes.

“Yeah. I know.”

They sat there in silence, the weight of everything pressing down on them both. Somewhere in the distance, Max shuffled her feet, pretending not to listen.
Finally, Will spoke again. “I don’t hate you.”

Mike looked up sharply.

“I was scared,” Will admitted. “And confused. And happy, too. But mostly I was worried about you.”

Mike let out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry. For all of it.”

“I know,” Will said. “I just… don’t know what happens now.”

Mike didn’t either.

He just knew that for the first time that night, he wasn’t alone in the dark anymore.

Max stopped a few feet in front of them, hands shoved into her jacket pockets. She looked between Mike and Will, eyes sharp but not unkind.

“Okay,” she said. “I gave you space. Now I’m stepping back in.”

Mike groaned quietly. “Max—”

“Nope,” she cut in. “You don’t get to spiral into the night, scare the hell out of everyone, and then dodge the conversation.”

Will stayed silent, watching her.
Max turned to Mike fully.

“What you did back there? The drinking, the kiss, the disappearing act?” She shook her head. “That wasn’t fair. Not to Will. Not to Jamie. And definitely not to yourself.”

Mike flinched. “I know.”

“Do you?” she pressed. “Because it looked a lot like you punishing yourself for being too scared to say what you feel.”

Mike swallowed hard, staring at the concrete.

“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

“I know,” Max said, softer now. “But you still did.”

She glanced at Will. “And you—” Her tone gentled even more. “You’re allowed to be happy. You’re allowed to say yes to someone who actually asks.”

Will nodded slowly. “I didn’t know how he felt.”

“I know,” Max said. “That’s the problem.”

The silence that followed was heavy, but not hostile. Just… honest.

Then—

“Holy crap, there you are!”

Dustin’s voice echoed across the courtyard as he and Lucas jogged up, both visibly relieved.

“Dude,” Dustin said, bending forward with his hands on his knees, “do you have any idea how terrifying it is when you vanish like that?”

Lucas crossed his arms, eyes scanning Mike carefully.

“You okay?”

Mike nodded weakly. “Yeah. I think so.”

Lucas sighed. “Good. Because Max was two seconds away from dragging half the campus out here.”

Max smirked. “Don’t tempt me.”

Dustin glanced between Mike and Will, immediately clocking the tension. “Ohhh. You guys talked.”

“Kind of,” Will said quietly.

Dustin nodded like that explained everything. “Yeah. That tracks.”

Lucas stepped closer, voice calmer. “Look, man… we get it. You’re hurting. But you don’t have to do this alone.”

Mike finally looked up at all of them. “I didn’t think I deserved help.”

Dustin frowned. “That’s the dumbest thing you’ve said all night, and that’s saying something.”

Max huffed a laugh despite herself. “He’s right.”

Will shifted closer to Mike again, careful, hesitant. “You matter. Even when things are messy.”

Mike’s throat tightened. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

“You don’t have to tonight,” Lucas said. “Just… come back with us. Please.”

Mike nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Max clapped her hands once. “Good.
Decision made before someone freezes to death.”

Dustin grinned weakly. “Group walk back?”

Will glanced at Mike. “Yeah?”

Mike met his eyes, something fragile but grateful there. “Yeah.”

They started back together, the night quieter now, heavier—but less lonely.
Nothing was fixed.

But at least, for the moment, they were all still standing in the same place.

They didn’t go back to the party.
Instead, Dustin insisted they find food.

“I don’t care what anyone says,” he announced as they walked toward the all-night diner a few blocks off campus.

“Emotional breakdowns require grease.”

Lucas nodded. “Agreed. You look like you’d pass out if you don’t eat.”

Mike dragged his hands down his face. “I’m fine.”

Max snorted. “You say that a lot for someone who is clearly not fine.”

Will walked beside Mike, close but not touching. “You should eat something,” he said softly. “Please.”

Mike glanced at him, then nodded. “Okay.”

At the diner, they slid into a booth, vinyl seats squeaking beneath them. The fluorescent lights felt too bright, but the smell of fries and coffee was grounding.
Dustin grabbed the menu.

“Alright, everybody order. No excuses.”

Mike stared at the menu like it was written in another language.

Lucas nudged him. “Start with water.”

The waitress set down glasses.

Mike drank like he hadn’t had anything in hours.

Max leaned across the table. “For the record,” she said, quieter now, “I’m still mad at you.”

Mike winced. “Fair.”

“But,” she added, “I’m also glad you didn’t disappear forever.”

Dustin nodded. “Yeah, man. That
would’ve been rude.”

Will smiled faintly. “Very rude.”
That got a weak laugh out of Mike.

When the food came, conversation stayed light—on purpose. Dustin talked about a guy at the party who spilled beer on himself. Lucas complained about early classes. Max stole fries off everyone’s plate.
Mike slowly started to look more like himself.

When they finished, the walk back to the dorm was quieter. Tired, heavy, but calmer.

Back at Will and Mike’s dorm, Dustin stretched.

“Okay. I am emotionally exhausted.”
Lucas yawned. “Same.”

Max looked between Will and Mike. “You two… okay to be alone?”

Will nodded. “Yeah.”

Mike hesitated, then said, “Yeah. I think so.”

Max pointed at Mike. “We’re not done talking, Wheeler. But tomorrow.”

Dustin grinned. “Try not to implode again before breakfast.”

“Goodnight, nerds,” Max said, pushing them toward the door.

When the door closed behind the others, the dorm felt too quiet.

Mike set his jacket down slowly. “I’m gonna… shower,” he said. “Clear my head.”

“Okay,” Will replied. “I’ll be here.”
Mike paused at the bathroom door.

“Will?”

“Yeah?”

“I meant what I said earlier. I’m sorry.”

Will nodded. “I know.”

The shower turned on.
Will sat on his bed, staring at the floor, heart still racing, when there was a knock on the door.

He opened it to find Jamie standing there, hands in his jacket pockets, concern etched across his face.

“Hey,” Jamie said. “I just wanted to check in. Is Mike… okay?”

Will hesitated, then nodded. “He will be.”

Jamie exhaled slowly. “That was… a lot.”

“Yeah,” Will agreed. “I’m really sorry about how the night went.”

Jamie studied him. “You don’t have to apologize for someone else’s feelings. I just wanted to make sure everyone was safe.”

Will softened at that. “Thank you.”

Jamie hesitated. “Are you okay?”

Will thought about Mike in the shower. About the unsaid things. About the kiss from earlier that felt both real and complicated.

“I think so,” he said honestly.

Jamie nodded. “Okay. Then I’ll let you get some rest. We can talk tomorrow?”

Will smiled faintly. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Jamie stepped back. “Goodnight, Will.”
“Goodnight.”

Will closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, listening to the water running in the bathroom.
Nothing was resolved.

 

The sunlight was soft, pale, spilling across the dorm room in stripes.

Will stirred first, stretching slowly, his chest tight.

Across the room, Mike sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands. His hair was messy, his shoulders slumped, but his eyes—when he finally looked up—were tired and raw.

“Morning,” Will said softly.

Mike’s lips twitched into a half-smile. “Morning.”

They paused, both unsure of what to say. After last night, every word felt dangerous.

“I—I wanted to say…” Mike started, then stopped.

His hand fidgeted at his side.

Will tilted his head. “You don’t have to rush.”

Mike swallowed. “I know. It’s just… I didn’t want to leave things like… last night.”

Will’s heart thumped. “You mean… what happened with the guy at the party?”

Mike flinched, his hands tightening into fists. “Yeah. That.”

“Mike,” Will said softly, “it’s okay. You were hurting.”

“I wasn’t thinking,” Mike muttered. “I—” He stopped again, eyes flicking toward Will. “I wanted to—tell you. Before. But I didn’t know how.”

Will’s stomach flipped. “How what?”

Mike’s throat tightened. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. His voice cracked.

“I… I don’t know if it matters anymore.”

Will stepped closer. “It does. To me.”

Mike swallowed hard. “I just—You’re…
happy now.”

He gestured vaguely toward the sketchbook Jamie had been looking at the night before. “With him.”

Will blinked. “I am. But that doesn’t mean… I don’t care about you.”

Mike’s eyes flickered, hope and fear mixing. “You don’t?”

“I do,” Will said. “But last night—everything was messy. And I didn’t know what to say either.”

Mike closed his eyes, leaning back against the headboard. “I hate that I let it get this far.”

Will gently touched his arm. “It’s okay. We just… have to be honest now.”

The knock at the door made them both jump. Will opened it to find Jamie, still wearing his jacket from last night, looking cautious.

“Hey,” Jamie said softly. “You guys okay? Mike… is he alright?”

Will nodded slowly. “He just needs a minute.”

Jamie’s eyes flicked to Mike. “You sure?”

Mike shrugged, trying to look casual but failing miserably. “Yeah… fine.”

Jamie turned to Will. “You’re okay?”

Will smiled faintly. “I’m okay. Really.”

Jamie hesitated. “Good. I just… wanted to make sure.”

Will nodded. “I know. Thank you for checking in.”

Jamie offered a small, reassuring smile before walking away. “See you later?”

Will nodded. “Yeah. Later.”

As the door closed, Mike let out a long breath.

“He’s… persistent.”

Will laughed softly. “That’s one way to put it.”

Down the hall, Max, Lucas, and Dustin had regrouped. Max was pacing.

“I swear, if he’s done anything else stupid today…” she muttered.

Dustin rolled his eyes. “Max, he’s Mike.

He’s always doing something stupid. That’s what makes him him.”

Lucas groaned. “Yeah, but last night? That was next-level. He could have seriously hurt himself.”

Max stopped pacing, pointing at Lucas. “And you didn’t notice? He almost broke last night. He needed someone. We all needed to be there for him.”

Dustin nodded. “Well, we are. We’re not leaving him alone again.”

Lucas glanced at Max. “So… what’s the plan?”

Max’s face softened. “We let them figure out their stuff. But we’re close. We check in. We make sure neither of them explodes or disappears again.”

Dustin grinned. “Sounds like a Tuesday.”

 

The sunlight poured through the dorm window, harsh and unrelenting. Will groaned, flopping back onto his bed. His hair was a mess, and the smell of burnt coffee from the corner of the room made him wince.

Mike was on the couch, looking rough—messy hair, bloodshot eyes, clutching a half-empty mug of coffee.

“Ugh,” Will muttered. “I feel like a zombie.”

Mike looked over at him. “Tell me about it.
I think my head is still at Jamie’s .”

Will raised an eyebrow. “You mean… the party?”

Mike groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Don’t remind me.”

Will chuckled softly. “I think I partied more than I thought I would.”

“Yeah, you and Jamie looked… cozy.” Mike muttered, voice low. He immediately shook his head. “I mean, that’s great. I just…” He trailed off.

Will froze slightly, realizing the weight behind Mike’s words.

“It’s okay, Mike. I know you’re still processing.”

“I’m… not ready,” Mike admitted, eyes downcast. “I can’t—Not with… you know. Jamie.”

Will nodded, stepping closer. “I get it. And I don’t want to push you into anything. You don’t have to tell me everything yet.”

Mike exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Thanks. I just… hate seeing you happy and… not being able to tell you how I feel.”

Will smiled faintly. “I know. And I appreciate that you told me a little. That’s more than most people would manage.”

There was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in!” Will called.

Max appeared, holding two steaming cups of coffee. “Alright, survivors of last night, here’s some caffeine. And maybe a little judgment.”

Dustin followed behind her, squinting at the sunlight.

“I feel like death.”

Lucas leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “I think my entire body is rebelling against me.”

Mike groaned. “Thanks for the coffee… I think I need it.”

Max smirked at him. “Yeah, Wheeler. You really did… a number last night. But look at you. Coffee in hand. Not dead. Small victories.”

Will laughed, handing Mike a mug.

“Here. Drink. Slowly this time.”

Dustin peeked over. “So… what actually happened last night? Because I feel like I walked in during a live soap opera.”

Will glanced at Mike. Mike looked away, scowling slightly.

Max raised an eyebrow. “Yeah… I think you two know. But it’s okay. We’ll let it slide… for now.”

Lucas smirked. “Slide? Really?”

Dustin leaned in, whispering conspiratorially to Will.

“I think Mike’s head exploded when he saw you with Jamie.”

Will sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Probably.”

Mike muttered something that sounded like “shut up, Dustin,” and glared half-heartedly.

Max sipped her coffee. “Look. I’m not saying anything, but you two need to… chill. Let the other person breathe. And Mike, maybe don’t drown in jealousy for one more minute.”

Mike groaned.

“Easy for you to say. You’re not in love with someone who’s dating someone else.”

Will leaned against him lightly, trying to soothe.

“Mike… it’s okay. I’m still your friend. You don’t have to do anything right now.”

Max nodded. “Exactly. We’ll all survive the morning first. Then you can deal with your feelings.”

Dustin cheered quietly. “I vote for breakfast first. Then we solve this frustrating problem.”

Lucas chuckled. “Agreed.”

Will smiled faintly at Mike. “Hey… want to come with me later? We could grab lunch at the diner before classes.”

Mike’s stomach did flips. “Yeah… yeah, I’d like that.”

Will gave him a soft grin.

“Good. Just… we go together. No pressure.”

Mike nodded. “No pressure.”

 

Later, after the gang shuffled off to their classes, Will lingered behind with Max.

“So…” Max began, raising an eyebrow. “How’s the new official relationship status? Still digesting Jamie?”

Will laughed quietly. “Yeah… it’s new. And complicated.”

Max smirked. “And what about Mike? He looked like he was about to implode at the party.”

Will sighed.

“I know. I feel… guilty sometimes. He’s struggling, and I can’t fix it for him.”

Max softened.

“You can’t. Not right now. Just be honest with him when the time’s right. He’ll figure it out eventually.”

Will nodded. “Yeah. Eventually.”

 

Meanwhile, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas sat outside the dorm, sipping coffee and trying to make sense of everything.

Dustin grinned. “So… you’re alive. No drunken disappearances this morning?”

Mike rolled his eyes. “No. For now.”

Lucas smirked. “Good. Because I’m not carrying you back inside if you decide to pass out in the quad.”

Mike muttered under his breath, “Thanks a lot.”

Dustin nudged him. “Look… last night was messy. But it’s okay. You don’t have to confess right now. Let it… breathe.”

Mike stared at his coffee.

“Yeah… breathe. Right.”

Lucas clapped him on the shoulder.

“We’ve got your back. No matter what.”

Mike nodded slowly.

“Thanks, guys. Really.”

 

Will walked to class, sketchbook in hand, doodling absentmindedly. He sketched neon lights and party shapes, his mind drifting between Jamie’s hand in his and Mike’s quiet, pained expressions.

He’s not ready yet, Will thought. But he will be. Eventually.

He couldn’t wait to ask the gang if they wanted to get ready at his and Mike’s dorm tonight before heading to whatever Jamie had planned for the weekend.

It’s going to be… messy, Will mused. But I can’t wait.

Chapter Text

The dorm was buzzing with post-party energy. Will perched on the counter, sketchbook under his arm, while Mike leaned against him, pretending to be casual but every nerve in his body was tight.

“Okay, everyone, big news!”

Will said, grinning.

“Jamie invited me on a weekend arts retreat. Painting, sketching, some outdoor inspiration stuff… and he wants all of you to come too.”

Max’s eyes lit up. “Wait, all of us? Like a road trip with Will and his artsy boyfriend?”

Lucas smirked. “Sounds… chaotic. I’m in.”

Dustin practically bounced. “Count me in!

Will glanced at Mike.

“Yeah… I thought it’d be fun if we all went together. Just a little escape before classes.”

Mike stiffened, jaw tight. “Uh… I don’t think I can.”

“Wait, what?” Will said, surprised. “Why not?”

Mike ran a hand through his messy hair.

“It’s fine.”

Dustin tilted his head.

“Come on, Mike. It’ll be fun! You’re coming with us.”

Mike shook his head.

“No. I’m staying here. I… just can’t.”

Max stepped closer, folding her arms.

“Oh, come on, Wheeler. You’re not seriously going to skip this? It’s the perfect chance to chill, hang out, and not overthink everything.”

Mike looked at Will, his eyes softening.

“I can’t sit there while you’re with Jamie. I’ll make it awkward for everyone.”

Will’s stomach sank.

“Mike… you don’t have to do that. I don’t want you to stay behind just because of me.”

Mike shook his head firmly.

“I do. I… I can’t do it, Will. Not right now.”

Mike muttered, voice tight.

“I’ll cheer from here.”

Dustin groaned. “Mike! You’re missing out! Snacks, sketching, probably some dancing in the woods! Come on, man!”

Lucas smirked. “Yeah, you’re being dramatic. Just because Will’s with Jamie doesn’t mean the weekend is ruined for you.”

Max gave him a pointed look.

“Mike, I get it. You’re… feeling a lot. But hiding away isn’t helping anyone. Especially not you.”
Mike crossed his arms, jaw tight.

“I’ll be fine. Really. You guys have fun. I’ll… stay here and hold down the fort.”

Will’s voice softened. “I’ll miss you there, Mike. But… I understand. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready.”

Mike let out a shaky breath. “Thanks… I just… I’ll manage.”

Max rolled her eyes.

“Fine. But we’ll all tease you mercilessly when you hear about all the fun you missed.”

Dustin laughed.

“Yeah! And don’t act like you’re not dying to see Will painting outdoors with Jamie.”

Mike shot Dustin a glare but couldn’t stop the tiny flare of jealousy in his chest.

He glanced at Will, who was chatting animatedly with Jamie about cabins and sketchbooks, laughing in a way that made Mike ache.

Will nudged him lightly. “You’ll be okay here, right?”

Mike forced a small smile. “Yeah. Later.”

But inside, he was already scheming how to keep Will close—even from a distance—while silently watching his boyfriend… and secretly wishing he could be part of that weekend too.

Max leaned closer to Lucas and whispered, “He’s hopeless. He’s in deep.”

Dustin grinned. “Yeah… you can see it written all over him.”

Lucas smirked. “Poor Mike. He’s gonna torture himself watching this weekend.”

Mike, standing a little too close to Will, forced himself to smile at the group chatter, pretending everything was fine.

 

The morning sunlight was fading into afternoon when Mike stood by the door, waving as the group piled into cars and vans to head out to Jamie’s cabin.

Will leaned over, brushing a hand over his arm.

“Have fun, Mike. Really.”

Mike forced a small smile. “Yeah… you all have fun.” His voice cracked slightly, but he shook it off.

Will squeezed his shoulder.

“Don’t do anything crazy.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,”

Mike muttered, the words hollow in his own ears.

As the vans pulled away, Mike shut the door and leaned against it, letting the silence sink in.

The apartment felt impossibly quiet, heavy with absence. His chest ached, watching Will leave with Jamie—laughing, alive, happy. Mike swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the counter like it might anchor him.

I can’t… I can’t watch this weekend unfold without him.

He paced, restless, before a thought hit him. There’s a store nearby. Maybe…

Mike stepped out into the fading daylight, the streets nearly empty. The corner store looked ordinary, nothing to hint at the plan he’d already decided. Inside, he hesitated in the aisle, staring at the bottles longer than he should have.

At the register, he smiled awkwardly.

“Uh… someone’s birthday. Yeah. Lots of friends,” he said, hoping his shaky voice didn’t draw attention. The cashier barely blinked.

Back in his dorm, Mike sat cross-legged on the floor, corking the first bottle.

He drank, then refilled, his vision blurring, mind spinning, and chest tightening with every gulp.

Hours passed. Empty bottles littered the floor. He swayed on the couch, pale and trembling, heart pounding, thoughts racing. Every laugh he imagined between Will and Jamie cut him open further.

Finally, he staggered out the door, dragging himself to the payphone at the end of the block.

He fumbled with the receiver, dialing a number he knew by heart: Nancy.

The line clicked.

“Hello?” Her voice, calm and concerned, reached him like a lifeline.

Mike’s control broke.

“I… I can’t… I can’t—he’s happy and I’m—” He started sobbing uncontrollably, knees buckling as he held the receiver to his chest.

“I can’t stop thinking about him! I… I—Will’s with Jamie and I… I just… I don’t know what to do!”

Nancy’s voice was instant, firm, gentle.

“Mike… I’m coming. Just hold on, okay?”

He could barely breathe. “N-n-nancy…”

“I’m on my way. Stay there.”

A while after that call, Nancy’s car screeched to a stop, and she ran to him, arms steadying him as he collapsed against her.

She took in his trembling, tear-streaked face, and whispered,

“It’s okay, Mike. I’ve got you.”

He clung to her, unashamed, letting all the frustration, heartbreak, and desperation pour out.

“I… I can’t… I can’t do this anymore!” he sobbed.

“I can’t sit there and watch him… and I can’t tell him how I feel!”

Nancy held him tighter.

“You’re not alone. We’ll get through this. Just breathe, Mike. Just breathe.”

Hours passed in that small circle of quiet chaos. Nancy stayed by his side, guiding him to sip water, breathing with him, letting him cry and talk, letting him release all the bottled-up feelings he couldn’t face with anyone else.

 

Mike woke with a pounding headache and the faint smell of stale alcohol clinging to everything. He groaned softly, rolling onto his side—then froze.

“Nancy?” His voice was hoarse.

She was sitting on the edge of the bed, coat draped over a chair, arms crossed but eyes gentle. She’d clearly been there a while.

“Hey,” she said quietly. “You’re awake.”

Mike squeezed his eyes shut.

“God… I’m sorry.”

“For what?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“For calling you. For drinking. For being… like this.” He gestured vaguely at himself.

“I really screwed up.”

Nancy stood and handed him a glass of water.

“Drink. Slowly.”

He did, wincing.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t scare me,” she said firmly. “You worried me. There’s a difference.”

He swallowed, then stared at the wall.

“He left. With him. And I told myself I was fine with it, because I have to be. But the second that door closed it just—” His voice cracked.

“It felt like someone ripped something out of my chest.”

Nancy was quiet for a moment. “You’re in love with him.”

Mike didn’t answer right away. Then, barely audible: “Yeah.”

“But you’re not ready,” she said gently.

He nodded. “Not like this. He has a boyfriend. Jamie’s good to him. I don’t get to… ruin that. I don’t want to be that person.”

Nancy reached over, squeezing his hand.

“You don’t have to decide anything right now. But you can’t keep punishing yourself for feelings you didn’t choose.”

He laughed bitterly. “Feels like I deserve it.”

“No,” she said sharply. “You don’t.”

 

Later that day will sat on the wooden steps of the cabin, sketchbook balanced on his knees, charcoal smudged across his fingers.

The woods were quiet except for distant laughter and music drifting from inside.

Jamie came up behind him, holding two paper cups.

“You disappeared.”

Will smiled softly. “Just needed air.”

Jamie handed him one.

“Everyone inside is arguing about whether The Cure or Depeche Mode is better.”

Will huffed. “That’s an impossible argument.”

Jamie laughed, sitting beside him. “You okay?”

Will hesitated. Mike didn’t want to come. The thought tugged at him, unwelcome but persistent, like an unfinished sentence.

“Yeah,” he said finally.

“Just… thinking.”

Jamie nudged his shoulder.

“You don’t have to worry here. This weekend’s supposed to be fun.”

“I know,” Will said. And he meant it.

Still, when Jamie’s hand found his, Will squeezed back—but part of him wondered why it felt like someone was missing from the picture.

 

Dustin was sprawled on the floor with Lucas, both surrounded by empty chip bags.

“So,” Dustin said, mouth full, “Jamie, how exactly did you convince Will to come here instead of staying glued to Mike?”

Lucas shot him a look. “Dustin.”

“What? It’s a valid question.”

Jamie blinked, then smiled politely.

“I didn’t convince him. I just asked.”

Max raised an eyebrow.

“Bold move.”

Jamie shrugged. “Life’s short.”

Max exchanged a look with Lucas. Too short, she thought. Or too fast.

Will returned just then, sitting beside Max.

“What’d I miss?”

“Nothing,” Max said quickly. “Just Dustin being Dustin.”

“Hey!” Dustin protested.

Will smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Chapter Text

Will woke before anyone else.
The cabin was quiet, washed in pale morning light that filtered through the thin curtains. Outside, the woods stretched endlessly, peaceful and still, like the world hadn’t quite decided to start yet.

He sat up slowly, careful not to wake Jamie, and reached for his sketchbook. The paper was cool beneath his fingers, grounding. Familiar.

This was supposed to feel perfect.
He stepped outside onto the wooden porch, breathing in the crisp air.

Somewhere in the distance, a bird called. Will flipped open his sketchbook and started to draw without thinking—trees, shadows, the shape of the cabin roof.
And then, without meaning to, his pencil hesitated.

Mike should’ve been here.

The thought slipped in uninvited, settling heavy in his chest. Will frowned, shaking his head like he could physically dislodge it. Mike didn’t want to come. That was his choice.

Still.

Will stared at the empty space on the porch beside him, the one Mike would’ve taken without asking.

The realization left him unsettled in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

Behind him, the cabin door creaked open.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

Jamie asked softly.

Will closed the sketchbook just a little too fast. “Yeah. Just needed some air.”

Jamie smiled, warm and easy. “I was thinking we could head down to the lake later. Just us. Sound okay?”

Will smiled back. “Yeah. That sounds nice.”
And it did.

But as Jamie reached for his hand, Will found himself glancing once more at the quiet woods, wondering why something still felt unfinished.

Will closed his sketchbook and headed back inside just as the cabin began to wake.

Lucas was already up, tying his shoes.

Dustin sat at the table, aggressively stirring instant coffee like it had personally wronged him.

“This tastes like regret,” Dustin announced.

Lucas snorted. “You’re the one who made it.”

Will smiled faintly. “Morning.”

“Morning, Van Gogh,” Dustin said. “Sleep okay?”

“Yeah,” Will lied easily, setting his sketchbook down. “You?”

“I dreamed Steve cut my hair again,” Dustin said solemnly. “Tragic.”

Max wandered in next, hoodie two sizes too big, hair a mess. She looked at Will for a long second before speaking.

“You’re up early.”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Will said, shrugging.

“Same,” she replied, not buying it.

“So,” Dustin said loudly, “what’s the plan today? Art? Nature? Pretending we’re deep and mysterious?”

Jamie laughed. “I thought we’d split up for a bit. Some people can go hiking, some can paint by the lake. No pressure.”

“That’s dangerously reasonable,” Max said. “I don’t trust it.”

Will chuckled, but his gaze drifted to the window again—half-expecting someone who wasn’t there.

The group moved slowly down the dirt path. Dustin bounced ahead, picking up sticks and twigs like they were swords. Lucas pretended to be exasperated, but secretly enjoyed the show.

Max walked beside Will, keeping him in her peripheral vision.

“So,” Max said quietly, “you’ve been… silent since we got here.”

Will glanced at her, smiling faintly. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “Thinking about Mike, aren’t you?”

Will froze for a second, then nodded ever so slightly.

“Yeah. But… he’s fine. He said he wanted to stay behind. I know that.”

Max smirked knowingly. “Mm-hmm. Sure. That’s one way to put it.”

Will let out a soft laugh, embarrassed, and focused on not staring at the ground too much.

Jamie jogged up from the front, waving two paper cups of water.

“Hydration break!”

Dustin snatched one immediately.

“Best. Boyfriend. Ever. Thanks!”

Jamie laughed, handing Will a cup.

“You’re welcome. I was going to share, but

I figured you’d want to be generous with Max and Lucas too.”

Will sipped and smiled at him.

“Thanks.”

Lucas snorted. “Generous? You’re just trying to charm the kid.”

Max rolled her eyes at Lucas. “Focus, Lucas.”

Dustin tilted his head at Jamie. “Hey, so how long have you known Will? I feel like we’re still missing backstory.”

Jamie shrugged. “Met at the dorms. Group project, mostly. Shared sketchbooks, talked about art, all that stuff.”

Dustin’s eyes widened. “Ohhh! So you basically kidnapped him for your artsy world. Bold move.”

Jamie smiled softly. “I didn’t kidnap him. He came willingly.”

Will flushed faintly, glancing down at the sketchbook. “Yeah… I wanted to.”

Max nudged him. “See? Look at you, blushing. Classic Will.”

Will rolled his eyes but smiled. His attention flicked briefly to the woods around them, and for a fleeting second, he thought of Mike—though he didn’t say it out loud.

A little while after they had all reached a clearing by the lake. The air smelled of wet pine and fresh water.

Jamie set down a blanket and sketch supplies.

“Alright,” Jamie said, “everyone pick a spot. I’ll keep an eye out and make sure no one falls in.”

Dustin immediately sprawled on the ground, drawing invisible monsters in the dirt.

Lucas leaned against a tree, smirking, while Max picked a spot a little away from the water, sketchbook open.

Will and Jamie sat side by side, pencils poised.

“So,” Jamie whispered, “do you want me to show you a technique I learned?”

Will nodded, trying to focus on the page, but his mind kept wandering to Mike.

“Yeah… that’d be great.”

Jamie smiled and leaned closer, demonstrating the strokes with his pencil.

Will followed along, every so often glancing at Jamie, laughing softly when he made a silly mistake or corrected himself.

“Looks good,” Jamie said, touching Will’s hand lightly when he corrected his stroke.

Will’s chest warmed, but he pushed the feeling aside—there was still Mike, back at the dorm, quietly hurting and absent.

 

Hours passed. The group rotated between sketching and short hikes. Dustin and Lucas competed to see who could spot the weirdest insect first.

Max kept a careful eye on everyone, occasionally teasing Lucas when he tripped over roots.

Jamie stayed close to Will, guiding his hand on shading, pointing out shadows, and quietly chatting about music and art.

Will laughed softly at one of Dustin’s overly dramatic bug reports, but his eyes flicked occasionally to the treeline, thinking of Mike, wondering what he was doing.

Jamie caught one of these glances and pressed a hand lightly over Will’s.

“Hey. You’re here. With me. Right now. Don’t overthink it.”

Will nodded, squeezing Jamie’s hand back. “I know. I’m trying not to.”

Jamie glanced at Will thoughtfully as they sat looking deeply into one another.

“So… tell me about them. The the group you grew up with?”

Will smiled faintly. “Exactly. Mike came first. We met when we were kids. Then Dustin and Lucas joined. And then… we met a girl. Her name was Jane. She and Mike were together for a long time, and she and Max were best friends. She was really important to all of us.”

Jamie frowned slightly. “Was… she okay?”

Will shook his head, looking down.

“She passed away not long ago. It’s not something I usually talk about. But she… she mattered a lot. That’s how Max and the rest of us all became so close.”

Jamie nodded slowly, taking it in.

“Okay… so you all have a history. That explains a lot. And Mike… he’s protective because of all that?”

Will glanced at him, shrugging softly.

“Exactly. He cares about me. About all of us, really. And sometimes… it’s hard for him to let go. Even when I want him to.”

Jamie’s eyes softened. “I understand. You’ve got a family here. That’s rare.”

Will exhaled, relaxing a little. “Yeah. And now I’ve got you. It’s… new. But I’m learning how to fit it all together.”

Jamie smiled, brushing Will’s hand lightly. “I’ll figure it out with you.”

Will and Jamie wandered a short distance away from the group, still sketching but with a little space.

Jamie nudged him playfully.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

Will looked up, eyes meeting his. “Yeah I’m okay.
”
Jamie smiled. “You know I’m really glad you’re here.”

Will’s lips twitched into a small grin. “I’m glad you’re here too.”

Jamie reached for his hand, squeezing it.

Will felt the warmth spread, the little flutter of something new and exciting.

Yet a shadow of guilt lingered—Mike’s absence was heavy.

 

Meanwhile, back at NYU, Mike paced the small dorm apartment, Nancy perched on the edge of the couch. Empty bottles cluttered the floor, faint smells of alcohol hanging in the air.

Mike ran a hand through his hair, voice tight.

“I just… I can’t… I want to tell him how I feel, but I can’t. Not like this. Jamie’s there. And I… I don’t want to ruin anything.”

Nancy reached over, squeezing his shoulder.

“You don’t have to decide anything right now. You’re not weak for feeling this.”

Mike’s jaw tightened. “Feels like I deserve it.”

“No,” Nancy said sharply. “You don’t. You just… need to breathe and stop punishing yourself.”

He exhaled shakily, letting her words settle. “I… I just miss him. And I hate being here while he’s… happy.”

“You’ll get through this,” she said gently. “And you’ll have your chance. Timing is everything.”

 

The cabin had quieted down as the group packed up the last of their supplies. Blankets folded, sketchbooks tucked into bags, thermoses rinsed and set aside.

Lucas stretched, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Man, this was… actually really nice. I didn’t think a weekend like this would be so… chill.”

Dustin grinned, tossing his bag onto the pile. “Yeah! No school, no lectures, just trees, snacks, and terrible tree drawings. Perfect.”

Jamie leaned against Will, hand tucked gently into his.

“Honestly, I’ve never met a group like this before. You all… care about each other in such a solid way. It’s kind of amazing.”

Will smiled, brushing a thumb lightly over Jamie’s hand.

“Yeah… we’ve been through a lot together. Even the quiet moments mean everything. And having you here… it makes it even better.”

Jamie tilted his head, looking at Will in the soft cabin light.

“You have these little details about yourself I notice… like how you scrunch your nose when you’re focused. And the way your eyes light up when you talk about something you love. I can’t stop looking at you.”

Will’s chest warmed. “I… notice you too. The way you laugh, that tilt of your head when you’re teasing me, and… your hands. Always moving when you talk. I like that about you.”

Dustin coughed, pretending to clear his throat.

“Uh… you two are making me feel sick with cuteness.”

Lucas chuckled. “Yeah, seriously. Can we get back to packing before I throw up.”

Max smirked. “Leave them alone, you two. Let them be sappy for five minutes. They deserve it.”

Lucas looked at the group, a fond smile on his face.

“This was great. Honestly, I can’t wait to get back tomorrow morning and see Mike. I bet he’s going to be a mess seeing you all return.”

Dustin nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! He’s going to explode with excitement—or overprotective. Either way, it’s going to be hilarious.”

Max laughed, shaking her head. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to wrestle anyone in the hallway. Otherwise, we’ll have a whole new problem.”

Will chuckled, leaning against Jamie.

“I can’t wait for him to see all of us together. And… I can’t wait to see him too.”

Jamie pressed his forehead lightly to Will’s, soft and steady.

“He’s lucky to have you. And I’m lucky you let me be part of it.”

Will grinned, brushing his nose against Jamie’s. “And I’m lucky you’re patient enough to deal with all of us chaos-bringers.”

Jamie laughed, a soft, warm sound that made Will’s chest swell. “I’ll take it. Totally worth it.”

As the evening sun dipped behind the treeline, the cabin hummed with the quiet comfort of friendship, laughter, and new love.

Tomorrow would bring the trip back to NYU—and Mike. But for tonight, they just held onto each other, smiling at the little things that made this weekend unforgettable.

Chapter Text

The morning sun filtered through the cabin windows, painting golden streaks across the wooden floors. The group was bustling with energy, throwing pillows into bags, laughing as they packed their blankets, and arguing over who had eaten the last granola bar.

Dustin, sprawled on the floor, held up a crumpled sandwich bag.

“Seriously, Lucas, did you eat the last one? Or was that Max sneaky-stealing again?”

Lucas waved a hand dismissively. “I have no idea. Could have been anyone. I blame the forest spirits.”

Max rolled her eyes. “You guys are ridiculous. I told you already, I didn’t touch it.”

Will laughed softly, tucking his sketchbook into his bag. Jamie brushed the sleeve of Will’s shirt as he leaned over to stuff his own blanket in, smiling.

“We make quite the chaotic little packing crew, huh?”

Will squeezed Jamie’s hand. “Yeah… but it’s nice. Fun. Everyone’s together.”

Dustin grinned. “And nobody got eaten by a tree!”

Lucas snorted. “Yet.”

 

Meanwhile, miles away in New York, the Wheeler/byers dorm was quiet except for the occasional thud of a pillow hitting the wall.

Mike had been in bed almost the entire time since the group left—messy hair falling into his face, dark circles under his eyes. His hands gripped the sheets, fingers pale from tension. Every so often, he muttered something under his breath, half-formed words that sounded like names—El, Hawkins, chaos.

Nancy sat in the chair beside his bed, blanket over her lap, keeping watch. She had tried to coax him out of bed, tried to get him to eat something, tried to talk to him—but after a day, Mike wasn’t responding.

“Mike,” she whispered gently, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead.

“You’ve got to eat something. Please. Just a little. You can’t… stay like this forever.”

He didn’t respond, eyes squeezed shut. The occasional shiver ran through him, shoulders twitching from nightmares she couldn’t reach.

Nancy sighed, leaning back, rubbing her temples. “God… I thought after a day of being here, I could help you. But… it’s like talking to a brick wall sometimes.

 

Not long after Nancy’s worry, the van screeched to a stop outside the NYU dorm, leaves and dust clinging to everyone’s shoes. Laughter and chatter filled the vehicle as the group hauled their bags out, still buzzing from the retreat.

They reached the dorm, and the door swung open before Will could even knock.

Nancy stood there, rigid, eyes wide, a tension in her shoulders that made everyone freeze.

“Nancy?!” Will breathed.

She didn’t answer immediately, just held up a hand. “Come inside. Now.”

Jamie frowned. “Wait… what’s going on? Why are you here?”

Dustin’s face went pale. “And… Mike? Where is he?”

Nancy’s jaw tightened.

“He… hasn’t been out of bed. Not eating. Not talking. He’s been in here… spiraling since you left. I’ve been trying to keep him grounded, but he’s… fragile. He’s having nightmares from… everything. From Hawkins. From El. He misses home. He misses you guys.”

Max’s arms crossed, voice sharp. “You’re telling us he’s been like this… and we had no idea?”

Nancy exhaled shakily.

“Yes. I stayed. I tried to reach him. I tried to get him to eat. I tried… but it’s like he’s completely shut down. I’m worried. He’s been like this for two days straight.”

Will’s stomach dropped. “Oh… Mike…” He swallowed hard. “He needs us.”

Jamie’s hand found Will’s again, squeezing lightly.

Dustin shook his head, voice tight. “I… I can’t believe he’s like this. Poor guy.”

Lucas’s face darkened. “We’re just walking in blind? This is… bad. Really bad.”

Nancy led them to Mike’s dorm room. The door creaked open.

Mike was a mess. Slumped on the bed, sheets tangled around him, eyes shadowed and glassy. He hugged a pillow to his chest, muttering under his breath.

His hair was plastered to his forehead from sweat, and his cheeks were pale. Empty cups littered the desk, and the smell of stale alcohol lingered faintly in the room.

Will froze. “Mike…” His voice cracked.

Mike stirred slightly, eyes still closed, trembling. “Will…?”

Nancy’s voice was tight but firm. “Give him space. Slowly. He’s fragile right now. Let him adjust to seeing you all.”

Max’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning him.

“Holy—he’s… intense. Way worse than I thought.”

Dustin muttered, wide-eyed. “How… how did he get like this?”

Lucas’s jaw tightened. “We’re about to find out firsthand. Brace yourselves.”

Will stepped closer, voice shaking but soft. “Mike… it’s me. Will. I’m here. You’re not alone anymore.”

Mike’s eyes fluttered open, glossy and red-rimmed. He tried to speak but his voice was broken.

“I… I didn’t… I wanted to be… okay… by the time you got back… I couldn’t…”
Jamie’s hand rested on Will’s shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re not alone. None of you are.”

Nancy placed a steady hand on Mike’s arm.

“I’ve stayed with him… but he needs all of you. Be gentle. Be patient. He’s raw. He’s fragile. You have to let him come to you.”

Max leaned forward, voice low. “Just… love him like you always do. That’s all he needs. Don’t panic. Don’t push. Just be there.”

Will’s lips trembled. “Mike… we’re here now. We’re not leaving. I promise.”

Mike’s voice quavered, almost a whisper. “I… I just… I didn’t want to fall apart in front of you… I tried… I really tried…”

Will knelt beside him, brushing a hand over his arm. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be strong right now. You can let it out. We’re here. Always.”

Jamie’s voice was soft, reassuring. “We’ll help. All of us.”

Nancy gave a small, tense smile. “See? You’re not alone anymore. Let them in… slowly.”

Jamie stepped forward, eyes wary. Hands tucked in his pockets. “I just wanted to make sure he’s okay,” he said softly.

“If you need space, I get it….but I need to know he’s stable.”

Will’s hand squeezed Mike’s. “He’s fragile. Really fragile. But he needs us here. All of us.”

Max leaned against the wall, voice low.

“Mike’s always been like this when he’s pushed to the edge. Handle him gently. No sudden moves.”

Dustin sat cross-legged, voice quiet. “So… what can we do? Just… be here?”

Nancy nodded. “Yes. But don’t overwhelm him. Let him respond when he’s ready. He’s been through a lot. Really a lot.”

Jamie’s gaze lingered on Mike. “He’s… really hurting, isn’t he?”

Will nodded, frown tight. “Yeah… more than anyone should have to deal with alone. He’s been shutting down, not eating, barely sleeping. He just… needs us right now.”

Jamie exhaled slowly, hand running through his hair.

“I want to be careful. I don’t want to make him feel like I’m taking you away from him.” His eyes flicked to Will, then back to Mike. “I need to make sure I’m not… adding to his stress.”

Max noticed the subtle tension.

He’s sensing it. He’s trying to protect Will… but she can see the faint jealousy too.

Mike’s jaw clenched as he watched Jamie and Will interact and it twisted something tight and raw in Mike’s chest. He hugged the pillow tighter.

Dustin leaned forward. “Hey, Mike… we’re all here. You don’t have to handle any of this alone.”

Lucas added, voice firm. “Yeah. Just breathe. One step at a time.”

Will rested a hand on Mike’s shoulder, tilting his head to meet his eyes.

“You’re still you, Mike. And we’re not leaving. Not now, not ever.”

Jamie knelt beside Will, hand over his.

“We’ll help. All of us. But… slow. One step at a time. Okay?”

Mike’s voice quavered. “I… I don’t want to ruin everything…”

Will gripped his hand. “You’re not ruining anything. You’re human. You feel things. And we love you. Every part of you. Even the parts that scare you.”

The room was quiet except for Mike’s shallow, uneven breathing. Will stayed kneeling beside him, hand never leaving Mike’s shoulder, while Jamie crouched close to Will, their fingers brushing lightly.

Max leaned against the wall, arms folded, eyes sharp. “Okay… everyone, slow. Don’t make sudden moves. We’re not rescuing him from a fire—we’re bringing him back to us.”

Dustin leaned closer to Lucas, whispering, “I’ve never seen him like this… he’s fragile. Really fragile.”

Lucas grimaced. “Yeah… we have to be careful. One wrong move and he could shut down completely again.”

Will’s voice was soft, almost a murmur. “Mike… I know it’s hard. But you’re not alone. We’re all here. You don’t have to carry this by yourself.”

Mike’s eyes fluttered open briefly, glossy and distant. “I… I… I don’t… want to… bother anyone…”

Jamie’s hand brushed against Will’s, thumbs brushing together. “You’re not a bother,” Will said firmly, squeezing Mike’s hand. “None of you are.”

Max took a deep breath. “Look… he needs more than us right now. You’re doing everything you can, but we need extra support. Nancy, what do you think?”

Nancy’s jaw tightened, eyes softening as they lingered on Mike. “He’s been through too much, and… he’s missing home. He’s missing our mom.”

She glanced at the group, voice low but urgent. “I know Mom would know exactly how to comfort him. I’m going to call her, explain what’s happening, and see if she can come right away. He needs familiar faces… and you guys are amazing, but this… this is bigger than all of us right now.”

Will’s hand tightened on Mike’s shoulder. “Do you think he’ll be okay if you step out for a bit?”

Nancy nodded. “I’ll be quick, I promise.
He’s not alone. You all are right here. And I’ll be back before anything changes.”

Dustin frowned. “Mom? She… she’ll know what to do, huh?”

“Yes,” Nancy said firmly. “She’ll know how to reach him in ways we can’t right now. He’s been trying to hold it together for us, but what he really needs… is her, even just for a little while.”

Max exhaled and muttered, “Well, let’s hope she gets here fast. Because he’s… not looking good.”

Nancy gave the group a reassuring nod, then headed out, pulling her coat around her shoulders.

“I’m going to the nearest payphone to call Mom. She’ll come as soon as she can. Just stay with him, all of you. Keep him grounded. Don’t leave his side.”

Will whispered, brushing a hand over Mike’s arm. “Mike… I know you’re scared. I know you miss your mom, but she’ll be here soon, and we’re all right here with you. You don’t have to face any of this alone.”

Jamie leaned closer, careful not to crowd Mike. “And I promise, I’m not here to take anyone away from you. You’re safe here.”

Mike’s lips trembled, his grip tightening around the pillow. “I… I… I just…” His voice broke, and he closed his eyes, resting his forehead against the pillow.

Dustin shuffled forward, kneeling gently.

“Hey… remember that time you tried to beat Lucas in Donkey Kong and lost every single game? You didn’t care—you were laughing the whole time. You can get through this, Mike. We’ve got you.”

Lucas nodded, voice steady. “Yeah, buddy. Just breathe. One moment at a time.”

Will leaned closer, lowering his voice. “We’re not going anywhere. Not without you. You’re not alone, Mike. I’m right here.”

Jamie’s hand brushed briefly over Will’s, thumb circling slowly. “We’ll take care of you, all of us, together. And no one’s leaving.”

Mike’s eyes fluttered open once more, glossy and unsure. He gave a tiny, shaky nod, burying his face back into the pillow.

Max muttered quietly, watching him.

“This is bad… but it’s also… beautiful. He’s letting us in, finally. Just… slowly.”

Will whispered again, resting his forehead against Mike’s. “We’ll get through this, Mike. Together.”

Will shifted slightly, finally pulling his hand away from Mike’s shoulder just long enough to glance at Jamie.

Jamie was watching closely—too closely—his jaw tight, eyes flicking between Will and Mike.

“Jamie,” Will said quietly, standing and stepping a little to the side so they wouldn’t wake Mike.

“Can I talk to you for a second?”

Jamie followed him toward the doorway, arms folding loosely over his chest.

“Yeah. What’s up?”

Will hesitated, rubbing his thumb against his palm.

“I think… I think it might be best if it’s just his friends and family right now.”

Jamie blinked. “You’re asking me to leave?”

“Not like—” Will rushed to clarify. “Not forever. Just… tonight. He’s not okay. And Mike… he’s known these people his whole life. I don’t want him to feel like he has to hold anything in.”

Jamie exhaled through his nose, jaw tightening for just a second. “I get it,” he said, though there was something sharp under the words. “I do. I just—” He glanced back at Mike.

“You care about him a lot.”

Will didn’t deny it. “He’s my best friend of course I do.”

Jamie nodded slowly, jealousy flickering in his eyes before he masked it with a small smile.

“Okay. I’ll head out. Just… let me know when it’s a better time.”

“I will,” Will promised. “Thank you. Really.”

Jamie leaned in, lowering his voice. “Just don’t shut me out, okay?”

Will swallowed. “I won’t.”

Jamie left quietly, casting one last look over his shoulder before the door closed.

Nancy was already halfway down the block, heels clicking against the pavement as she reached the payphone. She dug through her purse with shaking hands, feeding coins into the slot.

“Come on, come on…” she muttered, dialing the number as quickly as she could.

“Hello?” Karen Wheeler’s voice answered.

“Mom,” Nancy said immediately, her voice breaking. “It’s Mike. He’s not okay.”

“What do you mean not okay?” Karen asked, worry flooding her tone.

“He drank. He spiraled. He’s barely talking, barely eating. He’s having nightmares,” Nancy rushed out. “He needs you. I don’t think he’s been this bad since—” She stopped herself.

“Please. Can you come? As soon as possible?”

“Oh my God,” Karen said, already moving. “I’m leaving right now. Where are you?”

Nancy gave her the address, pressing her forehead against the cool metal of the booth.

“Thank you, Mom.”

“Stay with him,” Karen said firmly. “I’m coming.”

 

Back in the room, Mike’s breathing finally evened out. His grip loosened, fingers curling instinctively around Will’s hand. Will froze.

For a long moment, he didn’t move. Then Mike sighed softly in his sleep, leaning just slightly closer.

Something warm and aching bloomed in Will’s chest.

He stayed.

Max noticed first. She caught Will’s expression and softened. “He trusts you,” she murmured.

Will swallowed. “I didn’t mean to… I was just—”

“I know,” Max said gently.

Mike slept like that for hours, Will’s hand still tangled in his. When Nancy returned, Karen not far behind, Mike didn’t stir.

Karen crossed the room slowly, eyes filling as she took in her son. “Oh, Michael…”

She brushed his hair back carefully, voice barely above a whisper. “It’s okay, baby. I’m here.”

Once Mike was fully asleep, the room gathered around the small table, voices hushed but urgent.

“We can’t let this happen again,” Dustin said quietly. “That was scary.”

Lucas nodded. “He needs structure. And support. Like… real support.”

Max crossed her arms. “No more pretending he’s ‘fine.’ If he pulls away, we pull him back in.”

Karen looked at Will. “And you,” she said gently. “You’re important to him. Don’t underestimate that.”

Will’s throat tightened. “I won’t.”

Nancy added, “When he’s himself again… we watch him. Closely. No more letting him spiral alone.”

 

The dorm room was still, the only sound Mike’s slow, uneven breathing and the faint hum of the radiator. He lay curled on Will’s bed, face turned toward the wall, one hand fisted in the blanket like he was afraid it might disappear.

Karen Wheeler stood beside the bed, coat still on, purse set carefully on Will’s desk. She reached out and brushed Mike’s hair back gently, the way she used to when he was sick as a kid.

“Okay,” she said softly, turning to the group crowded into the small room.

“Someone start from the beginning. I need to know how this happened.”

Will swallowed hard. “We… we went away for the weekend. Jamie invited us to an arts retreat. Mike stayed behind.”

Karen’s brows pulled together. “You left him here?”

Lucas nodded, guilt heavy in his voice. “He said he didn’t want to come. Said he’d be fine.”

“He insisted,” Max added. “We didn’t want to force him.”

Karen exhaled slowly. “And he wasn’t.”

Dustin shook his head. “No. Not even
close.”

Nancy stepped forward from near the door. “That’s when I got involved. He stayed here alone. Drank. Spiraled. He called me from a payphone crying—like, couldn’t breathe crying. I drove straight here and stayed.”

Karen turned sharply. “He called you?”

Nancy nodded. “He didn’t know what else to do.”

Karen closed her eyes briefly. “Oh, Michael my poor baby…”

Will’s shoulders slumped. “We thought he just needed space.”

Karen looked at him gently. “Sometimes space is the worst thing for someone who’s hurting.”

Lucas spoke quietly. “He’s been carrying a lot since Hawkins.”

Dustin nodded. “Nightmares. Panic. Trying to pretend he’s normal.”

Karen let out a slow breath. “That sounds like my son.”

Max crossed her arms. “He misses home. He won’t say it, but… yeah.”

Karen nodded. “Of course he does. He’s eighteen, not invincible.”

The room fell silent.

Then Karen straightened slightly. “Alright. Here’s what’s going to happen.”

Everyone looked at her.

“You kids are going to get some sleep,” she said firmly. “This is his dorm, his space—but right now he needs calm. I’m his mother. This part is mine.”

The group hesitated. “But—”

“I’ve got him,” Karen said softly. “I promise.”

Nancy nodded. “She’s right.”

Karen’s tone gentled. “We’ll talk more in the morning. But right now, he needs rest. And so do you.”

Reluctantly, they began to move.

Will lingered near the bed.

Karen noticed. “Go take a shower,” she suggested quietly. “Clear your head.”

Will nodded, throat tight, and slipped into the small dorm bathroom, closing the door softly behind him.

The water was too hot, but Will didn’t adjust it. He rested his forehead against the tile and let it run over his hair, his shoulders, his back.

I should’ve seen it.

Mike’s forced smiles.
The way he stayed behind.
The jealousy.
The drinking.

“I was right there,” Will whispered. “Every day.”

His chest tightened.

“I was too distracted,” he muttered. “Too wrapped up in Jamie. Too busy trying to pretend everything was normal.”

He squeezed his eyes shut.

“You were spiraling,” he whispered. “And I didn’t notice.”

By the time he shut the water off, his hands were shaking.

When he stepped back into the room, towel around his shoulders, Karen was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Mike sleep.

She looked up. “Come sit.”

Will obeyed, perching on the chair near the desk.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Will broke. “This is my fault.”

Karen turned fully toward him. “No, sweetheart. It isn’t.”

“It is,” Will insisted, voice cracking. “He’s my best friend. I should’ve seen the signs. I should’ve—”

Karen reached out and took his hand.

“Will. Look at me.”

He did.

“You are not responsible for holding everyone together,” she said gently. “Especially not after everything you’ve survived.”

“He was hurting alone,” Will whispered.

“And that breaks my heart,” Karen said softly. “But that doesn’t mean you failed him.”

Will shook his head. “I don’t want to lose him.”

“You won’t,” Karen replied. “But things are changing. And change terrifies boys like Mike.”

Will let out a weak, sad laugh. “He’s always hated change.”

Karen smiled faintly. “Yes. He has.”

She glanced back at Mike. “He loves you, Will. In his own complicated way.”

Will froze—but Karen didn’t push.

She stood. “Go get some sleep. Tomorrow, we take this one step at a time.”

 

Mike slept through the night.
At one point, his hand loosened from the blanket and found Will’s again, fingers curling instinctively. Will stayed still, heart racing, letting it happen.

Something warm and aching bloomed in his chest.

 

Morning came slowly.
Karen was already awake, sitting beside Mike with a mug of coffee gone cold.

Mike stirred, groaning softly. “M—Mom?”
She leaned in instantly. “Hey, baby.”

His eyes filled. “I… I’m sorry.”

“We’ll talk later,” she said gently. “Right now, you just breathe.”

He nodded, embarrassed and exhausted.

Later that morning, Jamie returned cautiously, lingering in the doorway.

Karen greeted him kindly but firmly.

“Thank you for giving us space last night.”

Jamie nodded. “I just wanted to check on him.”

Mike glanced up, quieter now. “Hey.”

Jamie offered a small smile. “Hey.”

Something had shifted.

Over the next few days, Mike was different.
Kinder.

He carried Will’s sketchbooks without being asked. Asked Jamie about his art. Helped with chores. Laughed more softly.

The gang noticed.

Max whispered to Dustin, “See it?”

“Yeah,” Dustin murmured. “He’s trying.”

Lucas nodded. “He’s healing.”

And Will watched it all, heart aching and hopeful all at once—knowing something between them had cracked open, even if neither of them was ready to name it yet.

Chapter Text

Mike slept through the night.
At one point, his hand loosened from the blanket and found Will’s again, fingers curling instinctively. Will stayed still, heart racing, letting it happen.

Something warm and aching bloomed in his chest.

 

Morning came slowly.

Karen was already awake, sitting beside Mike with a mug of coffee gone cold.

Mike stirred, groaning softly. “M—Mom?”
She leaned in instantly. “Hey, baby.”

His eyes filled. “I… I’m sorry.”

“We’ll talk later,” she said gently. “Right now, you just breathe.”

He nodded, embarrassed and exhausted.

Later that morning, Jamie returned cautiously, lingering in the doorway.

Karen greeted him kindly but firmly.

“Thank you for giving us space last night.”

Jamie nodded. “I just wanted to check on him.”

Mike glanced up, quieter now. “Hey.”

Jamie offered a small smile. “Hey.”

Something had shifted.

Over the next few days, Mike was different.

Kinder.

He carried Will’s sketchbooks without being asked. Asked Jamie about his art. Helped with chores. Laughed more softly.

The gang noticed.

Max whispered to Dustin, “See it?”

“Yeah,” Dustin murmured. “He’s trying.”

Lucas nodded. “He’s healing.”

And Will watched it all, heart aching and hopeful all at once—knowing something between them had cracked open, even if neither of them was ready to name it yet.

The week after felt strange.

Not bad. Not good. Just… tender.

Mike moved quieter through the dorm, like he was afraid of disturbing something fragile. He went to class, came back, ate when Karen reminded him to, and slept more than he had in months. He didn’t snap. Didn’t brood. Didn’t drink.

And everyone noticed.

Will sat cross-legged on his bed, sketchbook open, charcoal smudging the edge of the page. Jamie leaned against the desk, flipping through one of his own notebooks.

“So,” Jamie said lightly, “Intro to Modern Art. How bad is it?”

Will smiled faintly. “The professor talks like he’s auditioning for a documentary.”
Jamie laughed.

“Oh good. Mine spent forty minutes explaining why suffering is essential to creativity.”

Max, sitting on the floor lacing her boots, snorted.

“Love college.”

Dustin popped his head in from the hallway.

“Hey! Anyone else feel like they’re constantly behind even though it’s only week two?”

Lucas followed him in. “That’s because we are.”

Will laughed softly, then glanced at Jamie.

“Honestly… it’s been nice. Being here. With you.”

Jamie’s expression softened. “Yeah. I like us like this. Normal. Getting coffee between classes, complaining about homework.”

Will nodded. “I like… how easy it feels.”

From the doorway, Mike paused, backpack slung over one shoulder.

“That art building’s still impossible to find,” he said, casual. “Jamie, right?”
Jamie turned. “Yeah.”

Mike hesitated, then added, “Will says you’re really good.”

Jamie blinked, surprised — then smiled.

“Thanks.”

Will’s heart skipped.

Later, sprawled on the quad, the gang lay in a messy circle.

“I miss Hawkins,” Dustin said suddenly. “But also… not.”

Lucas nodded. “Same. College is weird. Everyone’s pretending they’re not terrified.”

Max stared at the sky. “I kinda like that no one here knows us.”

Will swallowed. “Yeah. It feels like… a fresh start.”

Mike lay quietly, hands folded on his chest.

“Fresh starts are overrated,” he said, then quickly added, “But not bad.”

Max glanced at him. Progress.

They were halfway through lunch when Dustin burst into the dorm, breathless.
“GUYS.”

Steve Harrington ducked in behind him, sunglasses perched on his head like he’d never left them behind. Robin followed, grinning wildly, and Jonathan trailed last, camera slung over his shoulder.

“You gonna invite us in or what?” Steve said.

“This place smells like ramen and emotional growth.”

Will shot up. “Jonathan!”

Jonathan smiled softly. “Hey, kid.”

Robin clapped her hands. “Okay, wow. Dorm life. Very… beige.”

Steve leaned in toward Mike. “You look like crap.”

Mike huffed a laugh. “Missed you too.”

They gave them a tour — cramped classrooms, the quad, the art building.

Robin nudged Will. “So. College boyfriend?”

Will flushed. “Yeah. Jamie.”

Jamie waved awkwardly. “Hi.”

Steve squinted. “Huh. You seem… decent.”

Robin grinned. “That’s Steve-speak for ‘approved.’”

Jonathan hung back with Will as they walked. “You okay?”

Will hesitated. “I think so. I’m trying to be.”
Jonathan nodded. “That’s enough.”

The gang ended up deciding—almost without saying it—that none of them were going to class that day.

Robin flopped backward onto Will’s bed dramatically. “Okay but explain something to me. Why does every college campus look like it was designed by someone who hates joy?”

Will laughed softly, sitting on the floor with his sketchbook. “The art building’s nice.”

“That’s because art kids refuse to suffer quietly,” Robin shot back.

Steve leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “You guys actually seem… okay. Like, normal-okay. Which is weird.”

“College normal,” Max corrected. “Which still includes emotional breakdowns, but with more coffee.”

Lucas snorted. “And less sleep.”

Dustin, who had immediately attached himself to Steve like a shadow, grinned.

“So what you’re saying is… we’re thriving.”

Steve looked down at him. “You’re eating vending machine Pop-Tarts for breakfast.”

“Thriving,” Dustin repeated confidently.

Will and Robin ended up sitting together on the steps outside the dorm later, sketchbook open between them. Robin peeked over his shoulder.

“Oh. Wow,” she said. “You always draw like you’re afraid the world might disappear if you don’t capture it fast enough.”

Will smiled faintly. “Sometimes it feels like that.”

Robin tilted her head. “You okay, kid?”

Will hesitated, pencil slowing. “I think I am. Just… figuring things out.”

She nudged him gently with her shoulder.

“You’re allowed to take up space, you know. Even when things get messy.”

He nodded. “Thanks.”

 

Jonathan found Will alone later in the quad, sketching again.

“You’ve been quiet,” Jonathan said, sitting beside him.

Will sighed. “I didn’t notice how bad it was getting with Mike.”

Jonathan frowned. “You couldn’t have known everything.”

“I should’ve known something was wrong,” Will said.

“He was hurting and I was… distracted.”

Jonathan shook his head. “You’re allowed to live your life. Mike doesn’t stop existing just because you’re happy.”

Will swallowed. “I just don’t want to lose him.”

Jonathan’s voice was gentle. “You won’t. But you might not always have him the same way.”

That landed hard.

Across the quad, Dustin, Lucas, Steve, and Max had claimed a picnic table.

“So,” Steve said, leaning back. “College life. Rate it.”

Lucas shrugged. “Six out of ten. Would be higher without the emotional trauma.”

Max smirked. “Seven. The freedom’s nice.”

Dustin grinned. “Ten. No parents. Unlimited snacks.”

Steve squinted. “You’re gonna die first.”

“Worth it.”

They regrouped later, sprawled across the dorm floor, pizza boxes open, soda cans everywhere. It felt—dangerously—like old times.

Will cleared his throat.

“There’s… something I should tell you guys.”

Jonathon, Robin and Steve straightened immediately.

“It’s about Mike,” Will continued quietly.

“He didn’t just have a bad night. He spiraled. Hard. Drinking. Panic. Nightmares. He called Nancy crying from a payphone.”

Robin’s face softened. “Oh, Mike…”

Steve ran a hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you call me?”

Will shook his head. “I didn’t know how bad it was until after.”

Jonathan frowned. “Is he okay now?”

“Better,” Will said. “But… fragile.”

Steve stood without hesitation. “Where is he?”

 

They found Mike sitting alone on a bench near the dorms, notebook open but untouched.

Steve dropped down beside him. “Hey.”

Mike startled slightly. “Oh. Uh—hey.”

Robin crouched in front of him. “We heard you had a rough one.”

Mike’s jaw tightened. “Yeah.”

Jonathan spoke softly. “You don’t have to explain.”

Mike looked at Will, guilt flickering. “I’m… trying.”

Steve nodded. “That’s enough for today.”

Robin smiled gently. “You don’t get bonus points for suffering in silence, you know.”

Mike huffed a weak laugh. “Figures.”

Will lingered back, watching as they circled Mike without smothering him. Protecting, but not pushing.

Steve clapped Mike’s shoulder lightly. “You’re not alone, man. Even when you feel like you are.”

Mike nodded. “I know. I’m… learning.”

Will met his eyes for a second—something unspoken passing between them.

They spent the rest of the day together.

Walking. Talking. Laughing.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t fixed.

But it was solid.

And sometimes, that was enough.

 

The dorm kitchen was loud with overlapping voices, the clatter of pans, and the hum of the radio.

Karen stood near the counter, arms crossed, listening far more than she spoke.

“So,” Steve said, leaning against the fridge, “you guys mentioned a party.”

Dustin winced. “Yeah. Uh. That happened.”

Karen turned slowly. “What kind of party.”

Lucas exchanged a look with Max. “A college one. During the week. Nothing huge.”

Will shifted uncomfortably. “It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal.”

Karen’s eyes flicked to him. “Michael was there?”

Will nodded. “Yeah. He came with us.”

Max inhaled. “He… didn’t stay okay.”

The room quieted.

Steve straightened. “Define ‘okay.’”

Dustin rubbed the back of his neck. “He left. Then came back. Really drunk.”

Karen closed her eyes briefly. “How drunk.”

Lucas answered gently, “Enough that it scared us.”

Robin murmured, “Oh, Mike…”

“He grabbed a bottle,” Max said, jaw tight. “Didn’t slow down. Didn’t listen.”

Will’s stomach dropped. “He didn’t say anything to me.”

“No,” Dustin said quickly. “He didn’t. Not to you.”

Karen opened her eyes. “And then?”

Lucas swallowed. “He kissed someone. A guy. Didn’t know him.”

Will froze, breath catching, but he stayed quiet.

“And then he looked at Will,” Max added carefully, “and left.”

Jonathan frowned. “Just… walked out?”

“Yeah,” Dustin said. “Didn’t tell anyone where he was going.”

Karen’s voice wavered just slightly. “So you went after him.”

Max nodded. “We had to.”

The room sat heavy with it.

Will disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.

The sound of the shower sputtering on was the only thing that gave Max the courage to finally exhale.

Karen noticed immediately.

She turned back toward the group.

“Okay,” she said softly but firmly. “What aren’t you telling him.”

Steve straightened. Robin stopped pacing. Jonathan’s jaw tightened.

Dustin looked at Lucas. Lucas looked at Max.

Max nodded once. Now.

Dustin cleared his throat. “There’s… more. About the party.”

Karen’s shoulders stiffened. “More than what you already told me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Lucas said gently.

Robin frowned. “How much more are we talking?”

Steve muttered, “Because I’m already at a ten.”

Max folded her arms, grounding herself.

“Mike didn’t just spiral randomly.”

Karen’s breath caught. “What do you mean.”

“He went to that party with a plan,” Dustin said quietly.

Jonathan’s eyes sharpened. “A plan?”

Lucas nodded. “He was going to talk to Will. Alone.”

The room went dead silent.

Robin slowly sat on the arm of the couch. “Talk to him… about what.”

Max swallowed. “About how he feels.”

Karen stared at them. “Feels how.”

No one rushed it. No one dramatized it.

Dustin spoke carefully. “He’s been in love with Will for a long time.”

Steve’s mouth fell open. “Oh.”

Jonathan closed his eyes, like something finally clicked into place. “That explains… a lot.”

Robin whispered, “Jesus.”

Karen pressed a hand to her chest. “My baby…”

“He didn’t say anything,” Lucas rushed to add. “Not to Will. He froze.”

Max nodded. “Jamie asked Will out first. Right there. Mike saw it happen.”
Robin winced. “Oh no.”

“That’s when he left,” Dustin said. “He came back later already wrecked.”

Steve ran a hand through his hair. “And that’s when he grabbed the bottle.”

“And kissed the guy,” Jonathan finished quietly.
Karen’s eyes filled, but her voice stayed steady. “And then he looked at Will.”

Max nodded. “Like he wanted to say something. Anything. And then he just… vanished.”

Silence again.

The shower continued to run.

Robin shook her head slowly. “He wasn’t trying to hurt anyone.”

“No,” Steve said softly. “That was a kid blowing himself up because he didn’t know how else to stop hurting.”

Jonathan looked toward the bathroom door. “Does Will suspect any of this?”

“No,” Dustin said immediately. “He doesn’t. And we’re not telling him.”

Karen straightened. “You’re right not to.”

Max looked at her. “You’re not mad?”

Karen laughed weakly. “I’m devastated. I’m worried. I’m furious at the universe. But not at him.”

She wiped her eyes. “My son has always loved deeply. He just… never learned how to protect himself from it.”

Robin’s voice softened. “He didn’t think he was allowed to want that.”

Steve nodded. “Or that he’d survive hearing no.”

Karen took a steadying breath. “Thank you for telling me. All of you.”

Lucas hesitated. “We didn’t want to betray him.”

“You didn’t,” Karen said firmly. “You protected him. And Will.”

Jonathan glanced at the bathroom door again.

“What happens when Will comes back out.”

Max answered quietly. “We act normal.”

Will disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.

The sound of the shower sputtering on was the only thing that gave Max the courage to finally exhale.

Karen noticed immediately.

She turned back toward the group.

“Okay,” she said softly but firmly. “What aren’t you telling him.”

Steve straightened. Robin stopped pacing. Jonathan’s jaw tightened.

Dustin looked at Lucas. Lucas looked at Max.

The shower shut off.

Steam curled out from under the bathroom door, and the room instinctively shifted—everyone slipping back into their normal faces just in time.

A few seconds later, Will stepped out, hair damp and curling at his temples, hoodie tugged on hastily.

“Sorry,” he said. “I took forever.”

“You’re good,” Max said quickly. “We were just hanging.”

Will glanced around. “Where’s Mike?”

The door opened almost immediately.
Mike stepped in carrying two paper grocery bags—chips, soda bottles clinking together.

And right behind him—

Jamie.

Will blinked. “Oh—Jamie?”

Jamie smiled easily. “Hey.”

Mike shifted the bags higher in his arms. “Uh—ran into him on the way back. He was heading this direction.”

Jamie nodded, relaxed. “Figured I’d walk with him. Didn’t want him hauling all that alone.”

That—right there—was what made Steve stiffen.

Robin clocked it too.

Jonathan’s expression didn’t change, but his shoulders went tight.

Will smiled anyway. “You didn’t have to.”

Jamie shrugged. “Didn’t mind.”

Mike set the bags down. “I grabbed more snacks, figured people might still be hungry.”

Karen smiled gently. “Thank you, honey.”

Jamie glanced around the room, already familiar with everyone.

“Looks like I showed up late.”

Dustin grinned. “Dinner already happened. Tragic, I know.”

Jamie laughed. “Guess I missed out.”

Mike hesitated, then said quietly, “There’s leftovers. Mom made a lot.”

Jamie looked at him, genuinely warm. “You sure?”

Mike nodded. “Yeah.”

Robin’s eyes narrowed just slightly.
Too easy, she thought.

Karen handed Jamie a plate. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Wheeler.”

Mike flinched again—barely noticeable,

but Jonathan saw it.

Jamie leaned against the counter, eating comfortably, like he belonged there. He didn’t crowd Will. Didn’t cling. Didn’t stake a claim.

Steve didn’t like that at all.

“So,” Steve said casually, “you and Mike ran into each other?”

Jamie nodded. “Yeah. Talked a bit.”

“Oh yeah?” Robin added lightly. “About what?”

Jamie shrugged. “Classes. Food. College stuff.”

Mike kept his eyes on the counter.

Jonathan watched Jamie closely. “You didn’t mind coming back here?”

Jamie met his gaze without hesitation. “Why would I?”

Because most people would feel awkward, Jonathan thought.
Because most people would sense something was off.

Will, oblivious, smiled. “It’s been kind of a weird day.”

Jamie’s voice softened. “Yeah. I can tell.”

He didn’t look at Mike when he said it—but somehow it felt like he was including him anyway.

That bothered Steve even more.

Eventually, Jamie glanced at the clock. “I should probably head out. Don’t want to overstay.”

Will nodded. “Okay.”

They walked to the door together. Mike followed a step behind, quiet.

Jamie turned back to the room. “It was good seeing everyone again.”

Steve forced a smile. “Yeah. You too.”

Jamie paused at the door, then looked at Mike. “Thanks for the snacks.”

Mike swallowed. “No problem.”

Jamie held his gaze a second longer than necessary—measuring, maybe—before turning back to Will.

“Tomorrow?” he asked softly.

Will smiled. “Tomorrow.”

They shared a brief hug. Nothing
excessive. Nothing dramatic.

Mike opened the door.

Jamie stepped out, then glanced back once more—at Will, then at Mike—before leaving.

The door closed.

Silence.

Robin exhaled slowly. “Okay.”

Steve frowned. “Anyone else feel like that was… weird?”

Jonathan nodded. “He’s being too accommodating.”

Max tilted her head. “You mean… not territorial?”

“No,” Robin said quietly. “We mean calculated.”

Karen frowned. “Calculated how?”

Robin chose her words carefully. “He’s very aware of Mike. And instead of pushing him out… he’s being nice.”

Steve muttered, “Which is not how you act if you’re not threatened.”

Jonathan glanced toward the kitchen, where Mike was putting things away with robotic precision.

“He knows Mike matters to Will.”

“And he’s watching,” Max added. “Closely.”

Will flopped onto the couch, tired but calm. “I’m really glad everyone’s here.”

Steve softened instantly. “Yeah, kid. Us too.”

But as Mike stacked snacks in the cupboard, jaw clenched, smile gone—
The older three shared a look.

Jamie wasn’t harmless.

And whatever game he was playing, Mike was already losing.

 

The night unraveled slowly.

Steve checked his watch first, then clapped his hands together once. “Alright. We should probably head out before we get locked in or something.”

Robin groaned. “Ugh. Fine. But I’m emotionally invested now, so I expect updates.”

“Don’t worry we’ll call as soon as anything crazy goes down.” Max replied chuckling to herself.

Jonathan slung his jacket over his shoulder, eyes lingering on Mike. “You okay, man?”

Mike nodded quickly. “Yeah. I’m good. Really.”

Jonathan didn’t push. He just nodded back. “Okay.”

Karen stood last, hovering near the door, purse clutched tight in her hands. Her eyes kept drifting back to Mike like she was memorizing him.

“I don’t love leaving you,” she said quietly.

“We’ll be here,” Max said gently. “All night.”

Lucas nodded. “Nothing’s gonna happen without us knowing.”

Karen sighed, then reached into her purse and pulled out a folded slip of paper. She handed it to Will.

“This is our home number,” she said. “If
anything feels off—anything at all—you call me. No matter the time.”

Will swallowed. “Okay thank you Karen.”

She turned to Mike, cupping his face briefly despite his embarrassment.

“Try to sleep, honey.”

Mike nodded, voice tight. “I will.”

Karen hesitated one last second, then let herself be pulled into a group hug by Dustin and Max.

“Goodnight,” she said softly.

The door closed behind her.

Then Steve, Robin, and Jonathan were gone too—footsteps fading down the hall, voices dissolving into the distance.
The dorm fell silent.

Not peaceful. Just… empty.

Lucas stretched awkwardly. “So… I’m gonna crash.”

“Yeah,” Dustin said, already yawning. “Same.”

Max paused, glancing between Mike and Will, sensing the space they weren’t filling.
“I’m here if you need me,” she said, looking directly at Mike.

He nodded. “Thanks.”

The front door shut with max Lucas and Dustin leaving one by one.

Until it was just them.
Will and Mike.

The kitchen light hummed softly. A bag of chips sat open on the counter, forgotten. The couch cushions still bore the dents of too many people.

Mike leaned against the counter, arms crossed, unsure what to do with himself.

Will sat on the couch, towel still draped over his shoulders, fingers twisting absently in the fabric.

“So,” Will said finally.

“Yeah,” Mike replied.

Silence again.

It wasn’t awkward in the old way. It was heavier. Careful.

Will shifted. “Thanks for grabbing the snacks.”

Mike nodded. “Didn’t want everyone running out.”

Another pause.

“You didn’t have to walk Jamie back,” Will added, immediately regretting it.

Mike froze for half a second before forcing a shrug. “It was on the way.”

“Oh,” Will said softly. “Okay.”

Mike glanced at him, then away. “You good?”

Will hesitated. “Yeah. I think so.”

Mike nodded, like he was accepting something final.

“I’m glad,” he said.

Will studied him then — really looked. The way Mike’s shoulders were tense even at rest. The way he was standing like he didn’t trust the floor to hold him.

“Mike,” Will started, then stopped.

Mike looked up. “Yeah?”

Will shook his head. “Nothing. Just… goodnight.”

Mike’s throat bobbed. “Night.”

They moved at the same time — both heading toward the hallway, then stopping when they realized they were walking side by side instead of together like they always had.

Will slowed, letting Mike pass first.
Mike noticed.

He hated that he noticed.

In the bedroom, Mike sat on his bed, hands clasped, staring at the wall. Will lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, listening to Mike breathe.

Everything familiar felt newly fragile.

“Will?” Mike said quietly, lights already off.

“Yeah?”

“I’m… trying. Okay?”

Will turned his head in the dark.

“I know.”

Mike swallowed.

“Good.”

Silence again.

Longer this time.

Will closed his eyes, heart pounding—not with fear, but with the unsettling sense that something between them had shifted forever.

And neither of them knew how to name it.
Yet.

Chapter Text

Mike lay on his bed, hands clasped behind his head, staring at the ceiling. The sunlight slanted through the blinds in sharp, golden bars, warming the edges of the room but doing nothing to warm the tight knot in his chest.

He could hear Will moving around on the other side of the room, pencil scratching faintly against paper. Mike’s chest tightened as he watched him. Will didn’t know—and couldn’t know—what Mike had almost said.

Will’s eyes flicked up, catching Mike’s gaze for a brief moment. “Morning,” he said softly, his voice careful.

“Morning,” Mike replied, voice clipped, careful. The silence stretched, weighted with everything unsaid.

Before it could grow any heavier, the door burst open.

“Breakfast!” Dustin announced triumphantly, arms loaded with paper bags.

Lucas and Max followed, carrying coffee cups and juice cartons.

“What is—” Mike started, but stopped, blinking at the invasion.

Max smirked, dropping a bag onto the counter.

“We come bearing gifts. From little local cafe, figured we’d ruin your solitude.”

“Hey, solitude’s over-rated anyway,” Will said, closing his sketchbook with a sigh and sliding off the bed.

Dustin dumped a bag onto the table, spilling pancakes and sausage in a glorious mess. “You should’ve seen it—Jonathan, Steve, Robin… it was chaos, but fun! Seriously, I’ve never laughed so much.”

Lucas chuckled. “Yeah, and Karens dinner last night was amazing. Seriously, I think I gained three pounds just in gratitude.”

Mike glanced at the mess, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t know if I trust that much excitement all at once.”

Dustin nudged him, grinning. “Man, I wish I had a Karen. She makes everything better.”

Mike smirked, finally letting some humor slip through.

“Well, you could adopt mine, but be warned—she’ll judge your life choices like a pro.”

Everyone laughed, the room lightening in a way it hadn’t in hours.

Max dropped onto the couch, sipping her coffee. “So… classes. Who else is panicking about the exam coming up in Stats?”

Will groaned. “Everyone. I can already feel it slipping away from me.”

Lucas leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “Yeah, same. I think they gave us this one just to prove that we’re human.”

Dustin waved a pancake in the air dramatically.

“I’ll fail spectacularly and have syrup stains on my notes to show for it.”

Mike, finally standing and reaching for a plate, muttered,

“At least you’d go down deliciously.”

Another round of laughter.

Will tilted his head, looking at everyone.

“Okay, here’s an idea—why don’t we all study together? Like… really knuckle down and help each other out.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You mean, like, a study session without anyone falling asleep?”

Max smirked. “Don’t tempt fate. But yeah, I’m in.”

Dustin shoved a pancake in his mouth mid-sentence. “Count me in! I need help… plus it’s fun to see Mike attempt to teach someone something.”

Mike shook his head, laughing softly. “Ha. Yeah. I can barely teach myself. But fine… I’ll join. Don’t get your hopes up, though.”

Will smiled, feeling some of the tension lift. “Great! We can meet after classes, make some coffee, and really get to work. And… maybe have breakfast like this again.”

Max nodded, gesturing at the remains of their feast.

“Absolutely. Team study sessions with pancakes. Perfect.”

Dustin grinned, already piling more food onto a plate.

“As long as someone brings syrup, I’ll survive the day.”

Mike looked around at the group, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips.

“Alright. But only if you all promise not to let me flunk in front of everyone.”

Lucas laughed. “No promises.”

Will shook his head, but smiled, warmth creeping back in. “Deal. Now… pancakes first, studying after. Agreed?”

“Agreed!” everyone chorused, the chatter filling the dorm with an easy, safe energy that had been missing for far too long.

The dorm smelled like fresh pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Max, Lucas, and Dustin had gone out early and brought breakfast back, and now the table was a happy chaos of plates, napkins, and half-eaten food.

Dustin was shoving a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth. “Guys, if we don’t start moving soon, we’re so late for class. I’ll survive on eggs alone, but Professor Hargrove isn’t gonna be forgiving.”

Lucas groaned, sliding his chair back. “Seriously. If we don’t get cleaned up, we’ll be those kids walking into class with syrup all over their hands. That’s never a good look.”

Max smirked, arms folded. “Come on, you guys. Let’s just grab plates, clear this mess, and get going before the universe conspires against us.”

Will chuckled softly, reaching for a stack of plates. “At least we got breakfast sorted. It’s nice to start the day like this.”

Dustin grinned, poking Mike lightly. “Yeah, and hey… Mike, you’re lucky. No Karen to make you pancakes every morning like this.”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “Careful, Dusty bun. You might start thinking I am Karen for today.”

The group laughed, the warmth of the morning stretching across the dorm.

Lucas glanced at the clock. “We really need to move. If we don’t, we’re not just late—we’re going to miss the start of lectures.”

Max rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine. Let’s finish cleaning, then. No dawdling.”

Will stood, brushing crumbs off his pants. “Everyone grab your stuff quickly, and let’s head out together. We can still make it if we hustle.”

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
They froze.

Will glanced at Mike. “Uh… you want to get it?”

Mike shook his head and moved toward the door. “I got it.”

He opened it to reveal Jamie, standing there with a small canvas bag slung over his shoulder.

“Morning… is Will around?”

Mike stepped aside. “Yeah… come in.”

Jamie’s eyes flicked over the room, pausing on each of them before resting on Will.

“Hey… smelled breakfast all the way down the hall. Smells amazing.”

Dustin grinned. “We went out and got it! Max insisted on pancakes, Lucas wanted eggs, and I was just happy to be included.”

Max rolled her eyes. “And somehow survived getting up this early.”

Jamie chuckled. “Nice. And… Mike, you helping, or just lurking?”

Mike’s jaw tightened, but he moved to the counter. “Helping. Mostly.”

Dustin leaned closer to Jamie, whispering just loud enough for everyone to hear, “Careful, man. Mike’s… complicated.”

Jamie smirked. “I think I’ve noticed.”

Max smirked knowingly, watching Mike stiffen. “Oh yeah. He notices alright.”

Will cleared his throat. “Okay… everyone, let’s finish up. We don’t want to be late for class.”

Jamie glanced around, eyes flicking to Mike again before he said softly, “Fair enough. Lead the way, Will.”

The group finished cleaning, the dorm alive with laughter, playful banter, and the undercurrent of tension between Mike and Jamie.

Mike stayed close to Will, quiet but watchful, while Jamie moved easily alongside Will, sharing small smiles and brushing shoulders lightly as they packed up their bags.

The dorm smelled like fresh pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Max, Lucas, and Dustin had gone out early and brought breakfast back, and now the table was a happy chaos of plates, napkins, and half-eaten food.

Mike watched quietly as Will and Jamie chatted by the door, bags slung over their shoulders. He stayed close, leaning against the counter, pretending to tie his shoes but really just soaking in every small movement Will made—the tilt of his head when he laughed, the way his eyes crinkled as he grinned at Jamie.

I wish that was me, Mike thought, jaw tightening. I wish I was the one walking beside him, talking to him like that. But I’m not… not right now.

He let out a slow breath, forcing himself to smile when Will handed Jamie a sketchbook.

“Here, you can borrow this for class,” Will said.

“Thanks, Will,” Jamie said softly, brushing a thumb over the corner of the book.

Mike’s chest tightened slightly. He wanted to be the one there. He wanted… more.

“Come on, guys,” Lucas said, shoving a backpack over one shoulder.

He looped an arm through Max’s, and the two walked toward the door, laughing at something Max had whispered.

Mike glanced at them. They looked so happy together, completely in love, and he smiled faintly, letting himself enjoy their joy even as it pricked at his chest.

Dustin was crouched by the stairwell, pretending to gag dramatically.

“Ughhh! I cannot handle this level of love in the room. It’s making me sick!”

“Dustin, stop pretending,” Lucas groaned, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, it’s my duty as the comedic relief,” Dustin said, grinning. “Someone has to balance all this cute stuff!”

Mike let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head.

He moved closer to Will, brushing his hand over the counter as if by accident.

“You ready?” Will asked, grabbing his bag and giving him a small smile.

“Yeah,” Mike said softly, keeping his tone casual. But inside, every part of him was tense, yearning, wishing he could step into Jamie’s place, even for just a second.

Will waved to the rest of the gang.

“Alright, everyone, let’s get to class. On time, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lucas muttered. “I can’t imagine what punishment professor Hargrove would give us.”

Max laughed, tugging on Lucas’s arm. “Don’t worry, we’ve got each other.”

“Group hug before class?” Dustin asked dramatically.

Mike shook his head but let himself smile.

“Fine, one quick hug,” Will said, pulling everyone together.

Mike slid in next to him, keeping a hand lightly on Will’s back. It wasn’t what he wanted—it wasn’t enough—but it was close enough for now.

Jamie lingered beside Will, brushing his shoulder lightly against his. Mike let the gesture pass, forcing himself to keep his face neutral.

I can’t do this yet. I just… have to wait.

The group finally parted, heading toward their respective classrooms. Mike lingered for a second longer, watching Will walk toward his building with Jamie at his side.

He took a slow breath, fists unclenching, and turned toward his own class.

One day, he thought quietly.

One day, I’ll get my chance.

And with that, the dorm halls filled with footsteps, laughter, and the low hum of early morning chatter as everyone dispersed for class—some giddy, some playful, and some silently yearning.

 

By mid-morning, the dorm halls had cleared almost entirely. Mike trudged into his first class, backpack slung over one shoulder, still replaying the way Will had laughed with Jamie at breakfast.

He kept his eyes on the floor, pretending to focus on the lecture, but every time Will’s name crossed his mind, his chest tightened.

Across campus, Will and Jamie settled into their own lecture hall. Jamie leaned slightly closer to Will, nudging him with an elbow.

“Bet you didn’t think we’d get here first, huh?”

Jamie whispered with a grin.

Will laughed softly, scribbling in his notebook.

“We’re sneaky.”

Jamie smirked. “I like sneaking. Especially when it means sitting next to you.”

Will felt his cheeks warm, glancing down at his doodles but smiling nonetheless.

Every now and then, their knees brushed lightly under the desk, sending small, unexpected jolts through him.

Meanwhile, Lucas, Max, and Dustin crowded into another classroom down the hall, still teasing one another from breakfast.

“Lucas, you totally overpacked. Look at you—three notebooks, a backpack full of pencils, and your lucky lunchbox from sixth grade,” Dustin said, elbowing him playfully.

Lucas rolled his eyes.

“It’s called being prepared. You’d understand if you weren’t busy pretending to be sick from too much love in the dorm this morning.”

Max snorted, leaning back in her chair.

“Dustin, you really went full drama king. I almost believed you were going to throw up for real.”

“Hey! That was a performance piece,” Dustin defended. “Artistic, emotional expression. You wouldn’t understand.”

Max rolled her eyes again, smirking.

“Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

 

Back in his lecture, Mike quietly shifted in his seat, glancing toward the empty spot where Will would normally sit if he were in this class. He tried to focus on the professor, scribbling notes that made little sense.

I just… I wish I could be the one next to him right now.

Even just to talk. Even just to… be there.

 

At the same time, in the hall between classes, Will and Jamie were walking toward their next lecture. Jamie kept glancing at Will, his smile soft but teasing.

“You know,” Jamie said, nudging him again, “I like that you doodle everywhere. It’s… cute. And kind of distracting.”

Will laughed, tucking his notebook under his arm. “Distracting me, or everyone else?”

Jamie leaned closer, lowering his voice. “You.”

Will’s cheeks flushed again. He laughed softly, trying to focus on keeping pace with Jamie as they rounded the corner to their next class.

Meanwhile, in the other classroom, Lucas whispered to Max, “Do you think Mike’s okay? He’s been quiet all morning.”

Max tilted her head. “Yeah… he’s fine. Just… thinking. He’s always thinking. About Will.”

Dustin groaned dramatically. “Man, love is exhausting. I’d rather face another six-hour history lecture than deal with all this cute tension.”

Lucas smirked. “You? Exhausted by love? Please. You’re the one doing dramatic gag acts at breakfast.”

Dustin wagged a finger. “Artistic expression, sir. Art. And emotional depth.”

 

Across campus, Mike closed his notebook, letting his pen hover over the page. He knew the others were somewhere laughing together, talking, joking—but all he could think about was Will.

Just being near him, even at a distance, would make him feel grounded.

And for now, that was enough.

 

After the final lecture mike found max near a bench on the quad, tossing a leaf absentmindedly.

“Hey,” he said, his voice tight. “Can we talk?… Like, all three of us?”

Max raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You mean me, Lucas, and Dustin? Yeah, I figured. You look like you’re about to explode.”

Mike ran a hand through his hair.

“Pretty much. I just… I need someone to hear me. Before I do something stupid.”

Lucas and Dustin joined, flanking him like a small wall of support.

Mike leaned against the tree, staring at the grass. “I… I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I’m supposed to be helpful, cheerful, nice around Will and Jamie… but it’s eating me alive. I’m… still completely in love with him, and he’s with Jamie. I… I don’t know how to manage it anymore.”

Dustin groaned dramatically.

“Wow. That’s… rough. So you’re trying to be the perfect friend while your heart’s basically screaming at you?”

“Exactly,” Mike said, jaw tight.

“And every time I smile or help or… whatever, it’s like I’m pretending. And I can’t. I can’t.”

Lucas crouched, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Mike… we know. We see it. And the fact that you’re still there, still being supportive… that’s not easy. You’re not failing. You’re being human.”

Max leaned forward, voice low. “And it’s okay to hate it sometimes. It’s okay to wish you weren’t the one standing on the sidelines.”

Mike pressed a hand to his face.

“I want to help. I want to be there for him. But it hurts so much seeing him with someone else, and trying to hide it… I’m just… exhausted.”

Dustin waved a hand. “Yeah, yeah, sob story. But also—classic Mike Wheeler. Dramatic, tortured, and hopelessly in love. You check all the boxes.”

Lucas chuckled. “Don’t let it swallow you, though. You have us. We’ve got you. You’re not alone in this.”

Max smiled softly. “Seriously. You don’t have to do it alone. You’re allowed to be messy, frustrated, jealous, and still be a good friend. All at the same time.”

Mike let out a shaky laugh. “Thanks… I think I needed to hear that. I don’t have to fix everything right now. I just… needed to be honest about how much it’s killing me.”

Dustin nudged him. “Yeah. And you survived this long, didn’t you? You’ll survive a little longer.”

Mike managed a small, tired smile. “Yeah. I guess… I’ll keep trying. That’s all I can do for now.”

They stayed a few moments longer, letting the quiet settle. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t solved. But for the first time in days, Mike felt like he wasn’t carrying it all alone.

Max glanced around the quad, folding her arms.

“Alright, guys—let’s head back to the dorm. We’ve got everything planned, but we don’t want Will noticing anything weird before we get there.”

Mike nodded, falling in step.

“Yeah. Everything’s set. We just need to get back before he starts asking questions.”

Lucas smirked. “Exactly. He’s sharp. One stray comment and he’ll know we’ve been plotting this for the past 20. Minutes.”

Dustin pretended to gag. “Plotting? Totally innocent study prep, right?”

Mike rolled his eyes. “Innocent, yeah. Totally innocent.”

Max grinned.

“Follow my lead. Walk in like it’s just another study session. Act casual. Everything else stays under wraps.”

Mike muttered under his breath, “Casual… right. Like that’s easy with you three.”

Dustin nudged him, chuckling. “Oh, come on, Mikey. You’re having fun plotting just as much as the rest of us.”

Mike let out a small laugh, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Fun… sure. Fun.”

Lucas pushed open the dorm doors. “After you, co-conspirators.”

Max whispered as they stepped inside,

“Keep it smooth. Will doesn’t need to know how much planning went into this.”

Mike glanced at them, a soft sigh escaping. “Yeah… smooth.”

Will spread his notes across the counter and tapped his pencil.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s actually get through some of this. I’ll quiz you first. Max, what’s the derivative of… never mind, I forgot we’re not calculus geniuses yet.”

Max smirked. “Nice save, Will. I’ll take physics instead. Dustin, what’s Newton’s third law again?”

Dustin scrunched his face. “Uh… every action has… a reaction? Or is it every reaction has… a consequence?”

Lucas groaned. “Dustin… it’s literally ‘every action has an equal and opposite reaction.’ You’re lucky Will’s here to save your ass.”

Mike leaned closer to Will, softly whispering, “Do we have to actually do all these? I can barely remember last night’s lecture.”

Will chuckled, nudging him. “You’ll manage. You always do. Now—question: what’s the electron configuration for sodium?”

Mike blinked, then shook his head. “Sodium? I don’t even…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, yeah. You’re quizzing me too hard already.”

Dustin jumped in. “I can do that! I mean, if I remembered what an electron configuration even was.”

Max laughed. “We’ll all fail, but at least we’re trying.”

Will grinned. “Exactly. Team effort. Now, Lucas, your turn. Question: name three key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.”

Lucas rattled them off, Max correcting the order, Dustin making up ridiculous mnemonics, and Mike just quietly answered along with Will beside him, sharing small nudges and scribbles.

As the group’s laughter and groans echoed through the dorm, a knock came at the door.

Will glanced up. “Oh, it’s unlocked… come on in.”

Jamie stepped inside, leaning casually against the doorframe.

“Wow… I’m impressed. You guys are actually studying? I didn’t think this group was capable of focusing for more than five minutes.” He smirked, clearly joking.

Dustin groaned. “Ouch, Jamie. That’s harsh.”

Jamie grinned. “Just kidding. But… seriously, you look exhausted. Do you need anything? Coffee, snacks, maybe an IV drip of sugar?”

Max’s hand shot up. “Coffee. And snacks. Lots of snacks.”

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, the kind that actually keeps you alive while studying.”

Dustin pretended to faint dramatically. “I vote all of it. Bring me sustenance!”

Will laughed, glancing at Jamie. “You… you don’t mind? You’d actually get it for us?”

Jamie shook his head, smiling. “Of course not. I offered, didn’t I? And I insist. You’re working hard. You deserve it.”

Mike’s eyes flickered toward Will, silently noting the warmth between them, and he gave a small, tight-lipped smile. “Yeah… thanks.”

Jamie turned toward the group. “Coffee, snacks, sugar-fueled chaos. Coming right up. Give me a list, and I’ll make it happen.”
Will handed over a small note with their requests.

“Thanks, Jamie. Really.”

Jamie grinned.

“Don’t thank me yet. Just wait until you see me wielding a tray like a pro.”

The group laughed, the tension of exams and late nights softening for a moment, and even Mike allowed himself a quiet sigh.

He kept close to Will, glancing down at him every so often, holding himself together—but yearning just the same.

Will picked up his pencil and nudged Mike lightly. “Okay, back to quizzing. Max, your turn.”

Max groaned. “Oh no… this is going to be brutal.”

Dustin leaned back in his chair, chewing on a pencil. “Bring it. I’ll take it… sort of.”

Jamie disappeared down the hall for a few minutes and returned triumphantly, arms piled high with bags, boxes, and a large tray of coffee cups.

He nearly staggered under the weight, and as he set everything down on the counter, there was a soft clatter of mugs and wrappers.

“Whoa—jam-packed breakfast and sugar delivery!” Dustin exclaimed, rushing forward. “I call dibs on the chocolate donuts!”

Max laughed, diving toward the tray. “Hold up, I saw those first!”

Lucas grabbed a bag of bagels. “And these are mine, I swear!”

Mike just leaned back, smiling faintly, his hands tucked in his lap, while Will stood nearby, laughing as he helped Jamie steady the tray.

“Thanks, Jamie! Seriously, thank you!”

Will said, clapping him lightly on the shoulder.

Jamie grinned. “Don’t thank me yet—you should see the organized chaos I went through to get all this.”

“Worth it!” Max said, already reaching for a muffin.

Dustin snatched a coffee cup and gave Jamie a thumbs-up. “You are a hero, sir. Hero of caffeine and pastries!”

Lucas poured himself some juice, glancing at Jamie. “Yeah… thanks a ton. We didn’t expect all this.”

Jamie leaned against the counter, arms crossed, smirking.

“You guys clearly need it. Now, before you start devouring it all, anyone need extra help with… whatever it is you’re studying? I happen to be pretty smart, just saying.”

Will laughed. “Extra help? You mean, like, tutoring?”

Jamie shrugged, playful. “Exactly. I could explain stuff. Give you some tips. Or quiz you in a way that actually makes sense.”

Max snorted. “You’d be quizzing us? Oh no… this could get dangerous.”

Dustin groaned. “Wait… does that mean he’s smarter than Lucas too?”

Lucas huffed, mock-offended. “Excuse me? I am very intelligent, thank you very much.”

Jamie raised an eyebrow. “We’ll see about that…”

Will smiled, setting up his notebook again. “Okay, okay—everyone grab something to eat, then back to work. Coffee in hand, brains engaged.”

The gang rushed to the counter, grabbing snacks, pouring coffee, and stealing bites from each other. Jamie handed out extra cups, making sure everyone had enough, while Mike stayed close to Will, sipping quietly and watching him laugh at Dustin pretending to choke on a donut.

“You guys really go all out,” Jamie said, smiling. “Alright, I’m here if anyone actually wants a little extra help.”

Max rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure. We’ll totally ask you for help… right after we finish demolishing these donuts.”

Everyone laughed, and for a few minutes, the dorm was a whirlwind of pastries, coffee, and giggles, the tension of exams and Mike’s silent longing suspended in the chaos of their little study party.

The snacks and coffee from Jamie were quickly devoured, and the gang finally settled back into their notebooks.

Will perched on the edge of the couch, pen poised, while Max and Lucas spread flashcards across the table. Dustin leaned over Will’s shoulder, squinting at the math problems.

“Alright, I’ll quiz you first,” Max said, holding up a flashcard. “What’s the formula for… uh… forget it, physics is evil.”

Lucas groaned. “Don’t even start with that—just do history. Or maybe English. Anything but physics.”

Jamie leaned against the counter, smirking. “I can do physics. Or English. Or literally anything. You don’t want me to be all smug, do you?”

Dustin waved a hand. “Bring it on, smart guy. Let’s see what you got.”

Will chuckled, scribbling down an answer.

“Hey, maybe we can all take turns quizzing each other—mix it up a little.”

“Fine by me,” Lucas said. “But I’m warning you… I’ll be merciless.”

Mike sat on the floor, quietly flipping through his own notebook. He didn’t need the cards to know he’d fail every question—but that wasn’t what weighed on him.

He kept sneaking glances at Will, watching the easy smile that lit up his face whenever Jamie teased or laughed. Every brush of Will’s hand against a notebook or the way he leaned in made Mike’s chest tighten, but he stayed silent, keeping his feelings tucked away.

Dustin pretended to choke on a cookie, dramatically clutching his throat. “Oh no! I failed again!”

Max rolled her eyes, chuckling. “Yeah, yeah, you’re fine. Don’t fake it every five seconds.”

Jamie wandered closer to the table, setting down his coffee and snacks. “You know, you guys are actually studying… I didn’t think this dorm could handle that level of concentration.”

Max smirked. “Don’t underestimate us.

We’re highly motivated by caffeine and sugar.”

Jamie laughed. “I’ll take that. But hey, if anyone needs help—like, really needs someone to explain something—I’m right here.”

Will glanced up. “Thanks, Jamie. We’ll keep that in mind.”

Mike’s fingers tightened slightly around his pen. Will was happy, laughing and joking with Jamie and the others. He couldn’t interfere—not now, not when Will had someone else who made him smile like that. He just had to… be near him.

Time passed in a rhythm of questions, answers, giggles, and playful groans at particularly tricky problems. The dorm’s chatter blended into a comfortable chaos of friendship and late-morning energy.

Eventually, Will stretched, setting his pen down. “Okay, I think we’re done for now. My brain is officially fried.”

Lucas rubbed his eyes. “Mine too. I need lunch before I fail my next class.”

Max laughed. “Yeah, me too. But hey, we survived a solid study session. I call that a win.”

Dustin leaned back, still munching on a cookie. “And I didn’t even choke for real this time!”

Jamie grinned. “You guys did great.
Honestly impressed. I’ll leave you to your day now—but don’t forget, if you need more coffee, snacks, or a tutor, I’ve got your back.”

Will smiled. “Thanks, Jamie. Seriously. You’re a lifesaver.”

Jamie winked, heading for the door. “Anytime. I’ll see you later, all right?”

As the door closed, a quiet calm settled over the dorm. Mike finally let himself breathe, stretching his arms but staying close enough to Will to feel the faint warmth of his presence.

Will’s hair smelled faintly like shampoo, and Mike’s chest tightened again, but he stayed silent, just watching.

Will wandered to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. “That was actually productive… and kind of fun.”

Max leaned against the counter. “Yeah, we make a surprisingly good team when we’re not goofing off.”

Dustin nodded. “Agreed. Team chaos and caffeine forever!”

Lucas chuckled. “Forever and always.”

Mike gave a soft smile, glancing at Will. “Yeah… forever.”

Will caught his eye for a moment, a small, unspoken connection passing between them. And for now, that was enough.

The dorm felt alive, quiet but full of warmth, and for a brief, perfect moment, Mike didn’t have to hide what he felt—he just had to exist in the same space as Will, letting the world keep spinning around them.

The group began gathering their notebooks and flashcards, tossing stray pencils into pencil cases and groaning as their stomachs reminded them it was lunch time.

“Alright,” Will said, stretching and yawning, “I guess we should all get going before we’re late to the next class.”

Max grabbed her bag. “Yeah, we’ve already procrastinated enough for one morning.”

Dustin mock-gagged again.

“Procrastination or sugar coma? Who’s to say?”

Lucas laughed. “Either way, we survive another day of college miracles.”

Mike stayed seated for a moment, letting the others move around him, trying to calm the knot in his chest.

He watched Will collect his things, his mind buzzing with the image of Will laughing with Jamie just a few hours ago, and the quiet yearning in his chest flared up again.

Will noticed him lingering. “You coming, Mike?”

Mike nodded, standing slowly. “Yeah… yeah, I’ll catch up.”

Max smirked, nudging him gently. “Careful there, Wheeler. Don’t get lost in daydreams again.”

Mike gave a small, wry smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Dustin teased, “You’re thinking about that guy again, aren’t you?” Dustin teased making sure he didn’t mention will.

Mike rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it. “Maybe.”

Will gave him a soft, warm look.

“C’mon, let’s get moving. We can’t let Max and Lucas be the only ones on time.”

As they stepped toward the door, the dorm was alive with the low hum of chatter, the clinking of notebooks, and the faint smell of snacks that Jamie had brought.

Mike stayed close to Will, just close enough to feel the warmth of his shoulder brushing against his.

He didn’t say anything—didn’t need to. Just being there, in the same space, was enough for now.

The door clicked shut behind them, leaving a quiet dorm behind. But in that quiet, Mike’s mind was loud—dreaming, yearning, planning. Waiting for the right moment to somehow, somehow tell Will everything.

And for now, the slow burn continued, simmering just beneath the surface.

Chapter Text

Will didn’t realize how tired he was until he finally stopped moving.

Campus noise faded as he cut across the quieter path back toward the dorms, the late afternoon air cool against his face.

His bag tugged at his shoulder, heavier with notes and half-finished thoughts, but his mind felt strangely light. The day had gone well—better than most. Studying hadn’t been miserable, classes had been manageable, and for once, everything felt… steady. Safe. He rolled that feeling around in his chest, letting himself enjoy it, even if part of him knew better than to trust calm for too long.

He thought about Jamie—about the way he’d laughed when everyone swarmed the snacks, about how easy it felt having him there, slipping into the rhythm of the group without resistance. It felt good. Comforting.

And still, unbidden, Will’s thoughts drifted to Mike. To how quiet he’d been. To the way he lingered just a second too long, like he was always on the verge of saying something and then deciding not to. Will frowned slightly, slowing his steps. It wasn’t worry exactly—more like a faint pull at the edge of his awareness.

Something he didn’t have a name for yet. He shook it off, adjusting the strap of his bag, and kept walking, unaware that the space he was stepping into—back into Mike’s orbit—was already shifting beneath his feet.

The dorm door clicked shut behind Will with a soft, hollow sound.

Inside, the room felt… different. Not empty—just subdued. The usual noise of someone flipping pages, Dustin talking too loud, Max pacing while thinking, was gone. Everything was where it should be, but the air itself felt held, like the room was waiting.

Will paused, fingers still curled around the strap of his bag, listening. Somewhere down the hall a door slammed. Someone laughed faintly. But here, it was still.

Mike was sitting on his bed.

Not sprawled out like usual, not hunched over a notebook—just sitting there, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. He looked up when Will came in, like he’d been bracing for it.

“Oh. Hey,” Mike said.

“Hey,” Will replied, slower than he meant to.

He crossed the room, setting his bag down carefully, eyes flicking back to Mike without meaning to.

Something in his chest tightened—not fear, not exactly worry, but awareness. Mike looked calmer than earlier. Too calm. Like everything loud inside him had gone quiet all at once.

“You okay?” Will asked, trying to keep it light, normal.

Mike nodded quickly. “Yeah. Just—tired. Long day.”

Will accepted the answer, because that was what friends did. Because pressing felt wrong.

Still, he lingered, leaning against his desk, studying Mike in that soft, unconscious way he always had. His best friend. His constant. The person he knew better than anyone—except, suddenly, he wasn’t sure that was true anymore.

Will thought about the way Mike had hovered during studying. How close he’d stayed without touching. How careful he’d been. He swallowed, heat creeping up his neck for reasons he couldn’t quite pin down.

“If you want,” Will said after a moment, “we can… take a break tonight. No notes. No quizzing. Just—exist.”

Mike’s mouth twitched, like he almost smiled. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I’d like that.”

Will nodded, relieved in a way he didn’t understand, and turned to unpack his bag. He told himself the feeling in his chest was nothing. Just leftover stress. Just tiredness.

But even as he moved around the room, he could feel it—the subtle pull of Mike’s presence, heavier than usual. Like something important had shifted while Will wasn’t looking.

And whatever it was, Will knew—without knowing why—that it wasn’t over yet.

Will leaned against the edge of his desk, trying to organize his notes, but his hands moved on autopilot.

Every time his gaze flicked to Mike, he caught himself holding it a second too long. Mike’s shoulders were tense, even in the stillness, and the way he sat—quiet, almost small—made Will’s chest tighten without him realizing why.

“Did you… eat lunch?”

Will asked carefully, keeping his voice low, casual.

Mike shrugged, glancing toward the small fridge.

“Yeah. Something. Nothing fancy.” He paused, biting his lip. “You?”

“Same. Grabbed a sandwich on the way back.”

Will set his notebook down and stepped closer, careful not to crowd the space.

“You seem… off. More than usual.”

Mike let out a soft, humorless laugh.

“Isn’t that just me? Always ‘off’ in some way.”

His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it that made Will’s stomach knot.

Will hesitated, then slid onto the edge of the bed, leaving a small distance between them.

“You don’t have to put on the… the nice act right now.”

His words were careful, like stepping on fragile glass.

“You’ve been trying so hard lately. I notice.”

Mike’s eyes flicked up, and for a fraction of a second, the wall came down.

Something raw and heavy swirled behind them—longing, frustration, exhaustion. He looked at Will, and Will caught the flicker of what Mike had been holding back. The weight of it was almost suffocating.

“I know,” Mike whispered. “I’m… trying.
But it’s like—every time I smile, help, do whatever—I feel like I’m pretending. And I can’t stop thinking… about everything I can’t have.”

His voice cracked slightly, and Will’s chest tightened further.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Will said softly. He reached out, letting his fingers brush against Mike’s hand—not demanding, just a tether.

“Not with me. Not with anyone. You don’t have to carry it silently.”

Mike’s breath hitched, just barely, and he looked down at the hand Will had lightly touched.

“I—” He stopped.

Words failed him. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start with me,” Will said, gentle but firm. “Start anywhere. I’ll listen. You can tell me anything… or nothing. Just… let me be here.”

Mike’s lips pressed into a thin line. He nodded slowly, swallowing hard. He didn’t reach for Will’s hand—not yet—but the tension in his body softened a fraction. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the radiator and the low rustle of papers.

And for the first time in days, the air between them didn’t feel heavy with unspoken things. It felt… possible.
Will shifted slightly, offering a small, nervous smile.

“We can take it slow. Just… one step at a time.”

Mike let out a shaky exhale, eyes fixed on some point in the floor.

“One step at a time,” he echoed.

And even without moving, Will could feel him leaning closer in some invisible, unspoken way.

The quiet settled, intimate and fragile, stretching out between them as they just… existed. Side by side, hearts tangled but steadying, letting the world spin around the dorm without needing to fix it yet.

Just as Will let out a quiet breath, trying to settle the knot in his chest, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Hey—mind if I come in?”

Jamie’s voice carried that easy, teasing lilt, but there was a sharpness in his tone that made Will’s stomach flutter.

“Uh… it’s unlocked,” Will said quickly, glancing toward Mike.

His chest tightened slightly at the way Mike stiffened when he heard Jamie’s voice.

Jamie stepped inside, slinging his bag over one shoulder. “Wow… you guys are… quiet. I expected, I dunno, chaos or arguing or at least some dramatic flourishes.”

He smirked, glancing between Will and Mike.

“Instead, it’s… calm. Almost suspicious.”
Will smiled softly, trying to keep the tension neutral.

“Just… focusing on notes. Study session. You know how it is.”

Mike’s jaw tightened, and he shifted slightly, tucking his hands under his legs. Will caught the fleeting shadow in his eyes—the yearning, the frustration, the silent

“I wish I were him.”

He resisted the urge to glance down at Mike’s hands, clenched so tightly.

Jamie’s gaze flicked from Will to Mike and back again.

“Uh-huh. Focused, sure.”

He smirked knowingly, but didn’t press.

“So… do you need anything? Coffee? Snacks? I can make a heroic run to save you from starvation if necessary.”

Will glanced at Mike, who just shook his head quickly, forcing a small smile.

“We’re… good,” Will said. But inside, he could feel Mike’s tension, hear the quiet sigh in his chest even if he didn’t say it.

Jamie raised an eyebrow, smirking.

“Alright, if you’re sure. But don’t think I won’t notice if you start flagging. You both look dangerously low on energy.”

Mike swallowed, pretending to check his notebook, though his heart was pounding.

He wished—so badly—that it was him outside of Will’s arm, joking like Jamie did, letting himself laugh. He let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh.

Will leaned back slightly, offering Jamie a polite, neutral smile.

“Thanks… but we’re fine. Just… quiet today.”

Jamie tilted his head, studying them both.

“Quiet… yeah, I get it. But don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

He gave Will a small wink before moving toward the door, and Will exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

He glanced at Mike, who was quietly reading over notes, pretending nothing had happened—but Will knew. He always knew.

And for a fleeting moment, in the stillness of the dorm room, everything felt both precarious and possible.

The door clicked softly behind Jamie, leaving a quiet that felt almost too heavy in the room. Will shifted slightly on the edge of the bed, glancing at Mike. The sunlight streaming in seemed softer now, catching the lines of Mike’s face in a way that made him look… almost fragile.

Mike cleared his throat, his voice low and tight.

“Will… there’s something I… I don’t usually say out loud, but I need to.”

He ran a hand through his hair, then let it fall to his lap.

Will shifted on the edge of the bed, sketchbook balanced awkwardly on his knees. Mike sat across from him, arms wrapped loosely around his own knees, eyes tracing the lines of the ceiling as if it held the answers.

“I… I just need to say it,” Mike murmured, voice tight but steady.

“I’m… I’m in love with someone. And… they’re with someone else.”

His jaw clenched lightly.

“I don’t want to be the bad guy. I just… needed you to know. It’s… hard, trying to keep it together while being… helpful and normal.”

Will’s chest tightened. He kept his voice calm, even as his mind spun.

Someone else…?

He didn’t push, didn’t ask. He could see the strain on Mike’s face, the way his fingers fidgeted against his knees, and he knew enough to wait, to listen.

Mike let out a shaky laugh, half amused, half frustrated.

“I know… it’s messy. I just… can’t let it stay inside anymore. Not with you.”

Will’s hand hovered over his sketchbook, thumb brushing the page.

“Thanks for telling me, Mike. I… I get it. And I’m here. You’re not alone in this.”

Mike’s eyes flicked toward him for a brief moment, a mix of gratitude and longing, before dropping back to the floor. “Yeah… thanks. That… actually helps a lot.”

The room fell quiet, the kind of quiet that hums with things unsaid.

Will felt it too—the weight of Mike’s heart, heavy with yearning, and his own, quietly wishing he could do more than just be there.

Mike shook his head, grabbing a towel from the rack.
“I’m gonna take a quick shower. Needed that after today.”

Will watched him for a moment, heart tightening at the way Mike moved, casual but tense, like he was holding back half a storm inside him. He swallowed and nodded.

“Okay… sounds good. Hey, I’ve got an idea.”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Will said, a little excitement creeping into his voice.

“What if we did… like a late-night movie night? Just us, you, Lucas, Max, Dustin… like old times.”

Mike’s jaw tightened slightly, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“You’re bribing me with nostalgia and snacks, aren’t you?”

Will chuckled.

“Maybe. But also… I found some stuff I thought you guys might like. Just… moments like this. I’ll show you in a bit.”

He slipped into his room and pulled the carefully packed D&D box from under his bed, glancing over the dice, character sheets, and little figurines.

His chest warmed at the thought of seeing everyone’s reactions when he brought it out later.

Carrying it carefully, he headed down the hall.

“Okay, you two,” Will whispered as he knocked softly on the door to Dustin and Max’s dorm, “we’re doing a movie night. You in?”

Dustin practically leapt off the bed.

“Movie night? With snacks? Late-night? Count me in! What’s the plan?”

Max smirked. “You’d better not make this all about me cleaning up your mess, Will.”

“Nope,” Will said, grinning. “Just fun. And… a little surprise later. Trust me.”

They snuck down the hall, picking up Lucas last, who was bundled in a hoodie and groaning dramatically.

“Late-night shenanigans? Will, what have you dragged me into now?”

“Trust me,” Will said, tugging him along. “It’ll be fun. Just… follow my lead.”

They made their way to the small video rental near campus—slow, quiet, neon signs flickering. Inside, Will picked out a movie they all loved, a mix of adventure and comedy, something light but nostalgic.

The others hovered around the shelves, debating over which snacks to grab, soda cans clinking in the paper bag.

As they walked back toward the dorm with bags full of chips, pizza, and candy, Will glanced at Max, Dustin, and Lucas.

“Okay… real talk. I need to ask something.”

Dustin nearly dropped a bag of chips. “Uh-oh… Will’s Serious Talk face. What is it?”

Will’s voice lowered. “It’s about Mike. He… he opened up to me a little earlier, about someone he’s in love with. I… I just need to know what you guys know.”

Max looked away, leaning against the wall.
“We… we know. He’s… complicated. And trying. That’s all I can really say without crossing a line.”

Lucas nodded, shoving hands in his pockets.

“Yeah. He’s… got feelings. Big feelings. But he’s handling them his own way. Don’t push him. He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

Dustin added softly, “Exactly. You being nosy won’t help, Will. But… it’s okay to care.”

Will exhaled, nodding. “Yeah. I just… I want to make sure he’s not hurting too much. That’s all.”

They walked the rest of the way back in a quiet bubble of anticipation.

Once in the dorm, they set up the living room with blankets, snacks spread across the coffee table, pizza boxes stacked neatly. The lights were dimmed, casting a cozy glow.

“Alright,” Will said, turning to the group, “late-night movie time! Pizza, chips, candy… and my personal favorite: soda.”

Max smirked, plopping down on the couch. “You didn’t bring Monopoly, did you?”

Dustin groaned dramatically. “No, Max! We’re supposed to be chilling, not reliving seventh grade stress!”

Lucas just laughed, sinking into a chair. “Fine, fine. But I’m claiming the biggest slice of pizza.”

Will peeked at the door as Mike emerged from the shower, towel around his waist, slightly damp hair sticking to his forehead. Mike’s eyes softened at the scene—the cozy living room, the piles of snacks, the small smiles of his friends.

“You guys really went all out,” he said quietly.

“Of course,” Will said, handing him a soda. “Just… relax. Enjoy it. No school talk, no lectures… just fun.”

The movie started, and for the next hour or so, the room was filled with laughter, groans at bad puns, and quiet teasing as everyone devoured pizza.

Will kept sneaking glances at Mike, noting the way he laughed softly at a line in the movie, letting himself relax just enough to enjoy it.

Once the credits rolled, Will finally stood, holding the D&D box.

“Okay… moment of truth. You guys might want to sit down for this.”

Max leaned forward, curiosity sparking. “Oh… no. What is it?”

Dustin’s eyes lit up. “Please say it’s snacks. Please say it’s snacks.”

Will grinned.

“Better. I brought Dungeons & Dragons. The whole kit. Dice, character sheets, maps—the works. Thought we could do a little campaign, just like old times, for when we miss home.”

Mike’s eyes widened slightly, a small smile breaking through. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Will said, setting the box on the table. “We can start tonight, or whenever you all feel like it. But… I wanted this to be our thing. Just us. Safe. Fun. No pressure.”

Max let out a low whistle. “Will… you are officially the best late-night schemer ever.”

Dustin nearly leapt onto the box. “This is amazing! Oh man, the dice, the maps—I’m going full nerd tonight!”

Will looked around, chest tightening with quiet contentment.

Mike sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed, but silent. For the first time in days, everything felt like it might be… okay.

Will carefully lifted the lid of the D&D box, setting it on the coffee table. Dice rattled softly, miniature figurines waiting patiently in their foam slots, and maps and character sheets lay neatly inside.

The faint scent of old paper and waxed maps brought a smile to his face.

He reached to the bottom of the box and froze.

Beneath a stack of papers was an old, worn Polaroid. The edges frayed, colors faded slightly, but the smiles were unmistakable—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, Will himself… and Jane, in her bright homemade Halloween costume, holding a crooked little broomstick and grinning like she owned the world.

“Hey…” Will murmured, holding it up. “Remember this Halloween? Look at those faces.”

Mike leaned over his shoulder, catching sight of the photo.

“She looks so happy… and we… look like total idiots.” He let out a soft laugh.

Lucas squinted at it. “Idiot faces, sure… but good idiots. I’d say we pulled it off.”

Dustin grinned, his hands fluttering in mock fanfare.

“Man… I miss her. Jane would have loved seeing us do this… still sticking together. That’s what she would’ve wanted.”

Max, rolling her eyes affectionately, nodded.

“She’d be proud. Even after everything, we’re still here… still laughing, still surviving.”

Will carefully set the Polaroid on the table.

“Exactly. That’s why I brought this out tonight. A reminder of us… of who we were, and who we still are.”

Mike pressed his palms together in quiet acknowledgment, keeping the rest of his feelings folded away.

He still longed for more with Will, but for now, this was enough.

“Okay,” Will said, holding up his cleric mini.

“Who’s ready to start the campaign?”

Mike picked up a small paladin figurine.

“I’ll take the paladin. Someone has to keep the party safe.”

Will grinned, setting his cleric next to Mike’s paladin.

“I’ll be the cleric. We’ll heal each other… and offer moral support when needed.”

Dustin immediately grabbed a bard miniature, twirling it in his fingers.

“I’m the bard! Prepare yourselves for chaos, terrible puns, and musical interludes!”

Lucas lifted a knight figurine, sword raised, jaw set.

“I’m the knight. I’ll fight things. And probably complain when I have to babysit the bard.”

Max smirked, choosing a small, agile-looking rogue mini.

“Fine, I’ll be the Zoomer. Fast, clever, probably going to steal something… or trip a trap… or both.”

Will arranged the map on the floor while everyone grabbed snacks and drinks. The dorm was dim, cozy, and alive with the quiet hum of late-night energy.

“So,” Will said casually, glancing at Max, Lucas, and Dustin while Mike hung back near the couch, “any thoughts on maybe… I don’t know… a surprise trip back to Hawkins sometime soon? Could be fun, relive old adventures.”

Mike’s fingers tightened on his paladin figure. “Yeah… I’d like that. Even just for a weekend. See the old places… check on the gang there.”

Lucas chuckled, adjusting his knight’s pose.

“A nostalgia tour, huh? Could be fun. I call dibs on the first fight scene.”

Dustin grinned, waving his bard mini. “And I call dibs on the dramatic flair. Songs, jokes, maybe interpretive dance. Don’t question it.”

Max snorted. “I guess I’ll handle the sneaky stuff. Steal the show. Classic Zoomer style.”

Will smiled, watching Mike quietly, paladin set firmly before him.

His chest tightened at the sight of Mike’s focus, the way he moved, the small, subtle sighs and shifts that carried more emotion than words ever could.

The dice clattered, the room filled with laughter, groans, and playful arguing over rules.

Every roll, every joke, every dramatic flourish from Dustin’s bard brought a wave of nostalgia, a feeling of home that settled over them like a warm blanket.

At one point, as Mike reached to grab a die, his hand brushed against Will’s.

Will caught it, letting the moment linger without a word—no need to ruin the fragile peace with questions or confessions.

Hours passed, filled with adventures, jokes, and memories brought to life on the dorm floor.

And when the first real campaign battle came, they all leaned into it—Zoomer, Knight, Bard, Paladin, and Cleric—laughing, strategizing, and living the kind of friendship Jane would have wanted them to treasure forever.

The dice had finally quieted, and the minis were arranged in temporary repose on the map.

The campaign pause gave them all a moment to catch their breath, stretch their legs, and nibble on snacks.

Will leaned back, watching the group laugh at something Dustin had improvised with his bard.

“Okay,” Will said, smiling, “so Hawkins. A little trip back. When do you think would be the best time?”

Max leaned forward, elbows on her knees.

“We have to pick a weekend when no one has assignments due. I’m thinking maybe late October? Cooler weather, less crowded, and—bonus—we could do a little Halloween nostalgia thing while we’re there.”

Lucas nodded. “Late October could work. I don’t want it to interfere with anything, though. Maybe after midterms? That way we don’t have to worry about exams or papers.”

Dustin, still fiddling with his bard mini, grinned. “And I vote for a weekend when we can bring, like, all the snacks. Full-on Hawkins snack haul. Extra points if we hit the arcade while we’re there.”

Mike, paladin resting carefully on the map, murmured, “We should go when the town’s… calm. I don’t want anyone noticing too much. We keep it small, quiet. Just us, the old spots… maybe see some faces, but not too many.”

Will glanced at Mike, noting the quiet tone. “Yeah… small and simple. Maybe a Friday afternoon to Sunday evening? Gives us time to do all the nostalgic stuff without rushing.”

Max nodded. “Perfect. Friday evening arrival, hit the arcade, grab a few old favorites—Hawkins Burger, Scoops Ahoy… and Sunday we can swing by everyone’s old houses, maybe a stop at the quarry?”

Dustin grinned, twirling his mini again. “And I call dibs on leading us through the woods. Bard-guided hikes. I’ll narrate like we’re in some epic quest.”

Lucas groaned dramatically. “Please don’t. I don’t need every bush described in poetic detail.”

Mike let out a small laugh, the first in a while, and nudged his paladin mini forward as if to say, we’ll survive him somehow.

Will chuckled, reaching over to adjust a dice. “We’ll need a plan for food, lodging… maybe even a tiny reunion party vibe, but still low-key. Nothing too crazy.”

Max smirked. “Low-key is our specialty.

We can pack some dorm snacks for the trip, maybe even a little D&D if we want to feel like we’re back in the good old days.”

Dustin clapped his hands, excitement barely contained. “I love this! A Hawkins weekend adventure. Snacks, nostalgia, and maybe… a little trouble—just the right amount.”

Lucas smiled faintly. “Yeah… I could get behind that. Honestly, it’ll be nice to step out of campus life for a bit, see the old gang, the old town… and maybe remind ourselves why we started all this together.”

Mike’s jaw tightened slightly, eyes flicking toward Will, then back to the map.

“And… maybe we’ll see someone else too. Jane would’ve liked knowing we’re still doing this… sticking together.”

Will nodded, a soft warmth spreading in his chest.

“Yeah… she’d be proud. And I think… we all need a little bit of that reminder. A weekend to just be us, without any lectures or dorm chaos.”

Dustin raised his mini like a toast. “To Hawkins. And old friends. And snacks!”

“Absolutely,” Max agreed, “and maybe a few harmless adventures along the way.”

Lucas leaned back, smirking. “I’ll be the knight on watch, of course. Guarding the snacks and morale.”

Mike allowed himself a small, genuine smile, paladin placed with care. “Fine. But I’m keeping an eye on everyone—strategically.”

Will laughed softly. “Then it’s settled. We pick a weekend after midterms, pack some snacks, and relive a little bit of Hawkins. Quietly, carefully… but with all of us together.”

Dustin leaned over, tapping the map. “And maybe some epic bard commentary from yours truly.”

Max rolled her eyes, smiling. “I’ll survive somehow. Let’s just hope the Zoomer skills are enough to avoid chaos.”

Mike just sat back, the warmth of the plan settling over him.

For a few minutes, they weren’t worrying about exams or the tension in their dorms or the complicated feelings simmering quietly—they were just friends, plotting a small, perfect adventure, and for now, that was enough.

Chapter Text

The dorm felt lighter somehow, almost buoyant. Midterms and exams were finally behind them, and the tension that had been threading through the past few weeks had started to unravel. Mike leaned against his desk, a grin tugging at his lips as he watched everyone shuffle in and out of the room, tossing backpacks onto beds and tossing pens onto desks.

“Okay, everybody!” he called, clapping his hands together. “Pack it up. We’re heading back to Hawkins. Road trip style.”

Max dropped onto the bed beside him, hair still a little messy from the all-nighters she’d pulled.

“You mean… now? We don’t even have half our stuff organized.”

“Exactly,” Mike said, eyes twinkling. “That’s part of the fun. Chaos travel. Besides, everyone’s going to be excited to see us. I can already hear the screams of joy from Hawkins.”

Dustin spun around on his chair dramatically. “Screams of joy or screams of terror when they see what Lucas and I look like after cramming for chemistry all week?”

Lucas rolled his eyes, tugging a T-shirt over his head. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. You’re going to get powdered sugar all over your notes again, Dusty bun.”

Max smirked. “Honestly, I can’t wait. Everyone’s going to lose their shit when they see us. It’s been forever, and we’re bringing everyone this time. Even Karen going to act like she hasn’t been counting down the days.”

 

Will leaned back in a chair, quietly organizing his things but smiling at the chaos around him.

“Yeah… I bet Dustin’s mom is going to try to feed us before we even unpack, and Nancy’s going to drag us on a ‘look how grown-up you are’ tour of the neighborhood.”

Mike laughed softly.

“Exactly! And Jonathan’s probably already planning which movies he’ll make us watch, Steve’s figuring out how to tease Lucas, and Robin’s… well, Robin will be Robin. I just—” He paused, shaking his head, “I just can’t wait to see everyone.”

Dustin grinned, hopping off the chair. “I call shotgun for the drive!”

Lucas groaned. “We’re taking two cars, Dusty. You can’t just claim shotgun like some kind of tyrant.”

Max elbowed him. “Don’t worry, Lucas. I’m riding with you. We’ll handle him.”

Will laughed quietly, running a hand through his hair.

“I’m… kind of nervous about how excited Mike’s going to get everyone, actually. He’s like a human confetti cannon when he’s anticipating something.”

Mike threw his arms up. “Guilty as charged! But can you blame me? It’s Hawkins! It’s home! And after everything we’ve gone through… I just—” He trailed off, smiling at the group.

“I just want everyone there to see us together again. Safe, okay, but together. And happy.”

Max nudged him gently.

“You’ve got the right attitude, wheeler. Let’s just make sure we don’t forget snacks, games, or the emergency chocolate supply for the ride.”

Dustin clapped his hands. “YES! Chocolate. Travel food. And I vote we bring at least one random Polaroid camera for memories. You know… capture every moment.”

Lucas smirked. “I can handle that. But only if we’re taking turns driving.”

Will quietly chuckled, shaking his head, then added softly, “And… I’m just glad we all get to go. Like… together. I don’t know what it is, but somehow it feels like the first real summer since… well, forever.”

Mike grinned, shoulders relaxing. “Exactly. Together. And everyone in Hawkins? They’re going to freak out. Dustin’s mom is going to want to hear every detail about every move we make. Karen’s going to insist we eat dinner three times a day. And Nancy… well, she’s going to interrogate us in the best way possible.”

Max laughed. “I vote she does it at the same time as Jonathan plans an extended movie marathon.”

Dustin gasped. “No! I refuse! That’s cruel and unusual punishment. We need a snack buffer zone for that.”

Will smiled at them all, his chest light. “It doesn’t matter. Hawkins is going to be exactly what we need. And honestly… I don’t think I’ve looked forward to anything this much in ages.”

Mike leaned back, letting the smile stretch across his face. “Then it’s settled. Pack, snacks, music, Polaroids… and let’s hit the road. Hawkins doesn’t even know what’s coming.”

Dustin raised an imaginary microphone. “Live from the dorm—five very excited college kids, ready to take over Hawkins!”
Max smirked. “And probably annoy everyone in the process.”

Lucas groaned, but his grin betrayed him. “Yeah… probably.”

Will just laughed, watching them all scramble around, gathering bags, tucking snacks into backpacks, and joking about who gets which seat in the car. And Mike? He stayed just a moment longer, watching Will, letting the warmth of the group—their laughter, chaos, and love—sink in.

Finally, with the bags packed and the last playful arguments settled, Mike clapped his hands. “All right. Let’s roll. Hawkins, here we come.”

Will lingered by the door, holding his bag, and hesitated, he saw Jamie walking towards the dorm with an innocent smile and he knew he had to tell him about going away for the weekend.

“Uh…hey Jamie, I’m going to be away this weekend. The gang and I are heading back to Hawkins for a little… road trip.”

Jamie’s eyebrows shot up.

“Wait, what? You’re going without me?”

His voice had that sharp edge it always did when he felt excluded.

“Why didn’t you say anything before?”

Will shifted uncomfortably.“It’s… it’s a college thing. And it’s kind of a surprise for everyone in Hawkins. It’s not—”

“Not what?”

Jamie pressed, stepping closer.

“Not something I get to be a part of? You’ve been planning this without even asking me?”

Will shook his head quickly, trying to keep his tone calm but firm.

“Jamie, it’s not like that. It’s just… this is with the gang. It’s a little… party thing. I can’t explain more than that. I just—”

“I just what?” Jamie demanded, his voice rising slightly. “I feel like I’m always the last to know, Will! You’re leaving me out, again. Why?”

Will sighed, shoulders tightening. He could feel Jamie’s frustration, but he couldn’t give in.

“I said it’s not something you can come to. I’m not… I’m not letting you push this one. I have to go. I just… need you to trust me.”

Jamie’s face flushed, and he looked as if he wanted to argue further, but Will had already started walking away, heading toward the others who were already bustling with bags.

Mike, who had been quietly packing nearby, stepped closer, his jaw set. “Hey,” he said, voice low but firm, “let him go. He’s not trying to hurt you, Jamie. He’s just… doing what’s right for everyone else too.”

Jamie glanced between Will and Mike, frustration warring with the reality in Mike’s calm tone.

“I don’t like being left out,” he muttered, but there was no fire in his voice now—just reluctant acceptance.

Will paused for a second, looking back at him over his shoulder. “I know, Jamie. I know. But it’s just this once. I’ll tell you everything when I get back. I promise.”

Mike stayed by Will’s side as he walked toward the dorm lounge, a protective shadow but letting him lead.

Jamie lingered in the doorway, arms crossed, but his eyes softened slightly as he watched Will disappear down the hall.

With that settled, Will turned back to the packing frenzy.

“Okay, guys—focus! We need snacks, pillows, blankets, and all the good stuff for the trip.”

Mike grinned. “And don’t forget the music! Hawkins deserves a proper welcome.”

Max smirked, tossing her jacket into her bag. “Yeah, and I’m not carrying your map again, Dustin. You got us lost last time.”

Dustin pretended to be offended. “Lost? I call it scenic detours. Full experience!”

Lucas shook his head. “Scenic detours? More like hopeless chaos.”

Mike laughed, shaking his head, then paused.

“Wait, where’s Will’s secret stash? Snacks?”

Will smirked, holding up a small brown paper bag. “Got it. Pizza and chips for the ride.”

He glanced around the dorm. “Everyone ready to hit the road soon?”

Dustin and Max were already loaded down with bags, Lucas gave a thumbs-up, and Mike was grinning so wide it almost hurt his cheeks.

Mike’s gaze flicked toward Will, a warmth and quiet yearning in his chest. Even amidst the chaos, being here, being with the people he loved, made the tightness in his chest loosen a little.

Will caught his look and gave a small smile.

“Ready for Hawkins?”

Mike nodded. “Yeah… yeah, we’re going to make it amazing.”

Jamie lingered in the background, still a little suspicious but letting it slide, while Mike stayed close to Will, a silent protector and friend, and the gang continued to pack, laugh, and plan.

The excitement was contagious, and even in the late-night dim light of the dorm, it felt like the start of something perfect—a road trip, a reunion, and memories waiting to be made.

 

By the time the car was loaded—bags stacked haphazardly in the trunk, pillows crammed in between, and enough snacks to feed a small army—the gang was practically vibrating with excitement. Mike had stashed himself in the backseat next to Will, who was sliding his backpack under the seat.

“Okay, everyone buckle up,” Mike said, a playful edge to his voice as he tapped Will on the shoulder.

“I call shotgun on being the designated map-checker. Don’t worry—I’ll keep us alive.”

Will rolled his eyes but smiled, letting Mike’s hand linger a second too long on the edge of the seat.

“I trust your sense of direction… mostly.”

Dustin leaned forward from the middle row, holding a bag of chips like a shield.

“Mostly?! Whoa, Will, don’t be harsh. Mike’s practically a human GPS.”

Lucas laughed. “Human GPS? Last time we let him drive, we ended up at a closed gas station instead of lunch.”

Mike smirked at Lucas, then glanced at Will.

“Closed gas station? That’s one adventure I’ll never forget… right, Will?” His tone was light, teasing—but there was something beneath it, a quiet warmth that made Will glance up mid-laugh.

Will’s cheeks warmed slightly.

“Yeah… one for the memory books.”

Max, buckled in across from them, waved a hand.

“Focus, people. Hawkins is a long drive. Save the nostalgia for when we get there.”

Mike nudged Will gently with his elbow.

“Don’t worry. I plan on making the drive fun. Road-trip games, terrible music debates, maybe even some storytelling… you in?”

Will grinned, shaking his head.

“As long as you don’t turn it into a full-on monologue about your epic college survival stories.”

“Oh, come on,” Mike said, leaning back with a smirk.

“You know you secretly like hearing them.”

Will laughed, shoving him lightly.

“Maybe… maybe I do.”

Dustin groaned dramatically from the front seat.

“Ugh! I’m surrounded by all this flirting. Can we play a game instead?”

Max rolled her eyes but smirked.

“Fine, but only if Mike promises to stop making Will blush every five seconds.”

Mike glanced at Will, voice dropping slightly, just enough for Will to catch it.

“Blushing looks good on you, by the way. Just saying.”

Will froze mid-reach for a chip, blinking at him.

“I—what?”

“Nothing,” Mike said quickly, smirking, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Just… observation.”

Will shook his head, hiding a smile, and glanced out the window, the glow of the streetlights catching the tension that Mike kept buried in his chest—silent, yearning, but somehow still light enough for playful nudges like this.

The rest of the ride was filled with chatter about Hawkins—who would still be awake to greet them, how everyone would react to their arrival, and all the little stories that made home feel alive even from miles away.

Mike leaned slightly closer to Will when no one was looking, nudging him with a knee under the seat.

“Promise me something?”

Will looked at him, eyebrows raised. “What?”

Mike’s grin was quiet, almost private. “That this trip… it’ll be perfect. No disasters. Just… us getting back to where we belong.”

Will’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile.

“I think we can manage that.”

Mike nodded, settling back into his seat but letting his hand brush Will’s ever so slightly against the armrest—small, subtle, intimate enough to make Will’s heart skip, and yet completely hidden from the others.

The car hummed down the highway, headlights streaking across the asphalt, laughter and playful arguments bouncing between the seats.

But in the quiet moments between, Mike and Will shared glances and touches that said more than words ever could.

The road ahead was long, the night deep, and Hawkins awaited—but for now, in this car, packed with friends and the warmth of familiarity, everything felt just right.

 

The town lights of Hawkins flickered into view, casting familiar shapes against the darkening sky.

The quiet streets, the neon glow of the diner signs, the low hum of the arcade—it all felt like home, like a world they hadn’t left behind at all.

“Almost there!” Dustin cheered from the front seat, waving his arms dramatically. “Prepare yourselves, folks. Hawkins is about to explode with excitement at our return!”

Max rolled her eyes, smiling. “Or they’ll just be mildly interested. Don’t get your hopes up too high, drama king.”

Mike, sitting next to Will, let his gaze drift over the familiar rooftops, the houses lining the streets, and the small park where they’d spent countless hours as kids.

He couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh, half longing, half excitement.

Will glanced at him from the corner of his eye.

“You okay?”

Mike’s lips curled into a small, wry smile.

“Yeah… just… feels good to be back. Feels like we’re coming home.”

Will’s hand brushed against Mike’s as he adjusted his seatbelt, subtle, almost accidental—but Mike felt the warmth of it and let himself linger a moment longer than necessary.

When they finally pulled up to the Wheeler house, lights spilling from the windows, laughter from the porch where some of the gang had gathered, and the smell of something cooking in the air, the car practically erupted.

Mike lifted his hand and knocked.

For half a second, nothing—then hurried footsteps, the sound of the chain sliding free, and the door swung open.

Karen froze.

Her eyes swept over Mike first, then Will at his side, then Lucas, Max, and Dustin clustered behind them.

“Oh—” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my goodness.”

“Hi, Mom,” Mike said, already smiling.

Karen surged forward, pulling him into a tight hug before she could stop herself.

“You didn’t call,” she said, half laughing, half breathless.

“You didn’t say you were coming home.”

“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Will said softly.

“Well, it worked,” Karen replied, pulling back just enough to look at all of them properly.

Her smile widened. “All of you… look at you.”

Behind her, Ted appeared in the doorway, newspaper still folded under his arm. He squinted at the group.

“Huh,” he muttered.

Karen shot him a look over her shoulder.

“Ted.”

He huffed quietly and stepped aside without another word.

Nancy came rushing in from the living room.

“What’s—” She stopped short. “Oh my God.”

“Surprise,” Dustin said, grinning.

Nancy laughed and immediately wrapped
Will in a hug.

“You’re really here.”

“Looks like it,” Lucas said.

Holly peeked around the corner, eyes lighting up. “They’re back!”

She barreled forward, grabbing Max’s hand, then Dustin’s sleeve, then Lucas’s arm, talking a mile a minute.

Ted lingered behind Karen, arms crossed now, watching the scene unfold.

“College kids,” he muttered under his breath.

“Ted,” Karen said again—gentle, warning, smiling at the teens all the while.

He sighed and shuffled toward the couch.

Karen ushered everyone inside.

“Come in, come in—don’t just stand there. You must be exhausted.”

As they stepped into the familiar warmth of the house, Mike felt something in his chest loosen.

Will stood close enough that their shoulders brushed, just barely.

Ted sank into his armchair with a soft grunt.

“House was quieter five minutes ago,” he murmured.

Karen passed behind him, patting his shoulder.

“And now it’s happier,” she said sweetly.

Ted grunted again, noncommittal.

Nancy glanced between Mike and Will, noticing how close they stood.

“So,” she said, curious, “how long are you staying?”

“Just the weekend,” Mike answered.

Karen nodded quickly. “That’s perfect. Plenty of time. We’ll make it work.”

Ted cleared his throat. “Hope nobody expects me to move my chair.”

“Ted,” Karen said, smiling through her teeth.

He leaned back. “Just saying.”

Holly laughed. Dustin snorted. Max hid a smile behind her hand.

Karen clapped once.

“Alright. Shoes off, bags down. Dinner’s almost ready, and I want to hear everything.”

Mike glanced at Will, who was already looking around like he’d never left.

Hawkins hadn’t changed.

But they had.

And Ted, huffing quietly from his chair, was exactly the same.

Karen waited until the noise settled.

Dustin and Lucas were arguing with Holly over the TV.

Max had kicked her shoes off and was sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Nancy had disappeared into the kitchen.

Ted was already half-asleep in his chair, newspaper slipping.

Karen touched Mike’s arm lightly.

“Michael?”

He looked up. “Yeah?”

“Can I borrow you for a second?”

They stepped into the kitchen. The light was softer there, warm and familiar.

Karen leaned against the counter, folding her arms—not defensive, just thoughtful.

“You look better,” she said gently. “Tired, but… steadier.”

Mike shrugged. “I am. Mostly.”

She nodded, studying his face the way only a mother could. Then, carefully, “I know Will’s seeing someone.”

Mike stiffened—just barely.

“I met him,” Karen continued. “Jamie. He seems… nice enough.”

She hesitated, choosing every word with care.

“And I know how much Will means to you. He always has.”

Mike swallowed. “Mom—”

Karen lifted a hand, stopping him softly.

“I’m not saying this to scold you.”

Her voice dropped, warm and steady.

“I’m saying it because I love you, and because you’ve already been through too much.”

She stepped closer.

“I don’t want you doing something that hurts you—or hurts Will. Or wrecks something that isn’t yours to wreck.”

Mike looked down at the floor. For a moment, he looked sixteen again.

“I know,” he said quietly.

Karen reached out, smoothing a hand over his shoulder.

“Sometimes knowing isn’t the same as being ready.”

She smiled sadly. “Just… be kind. To him. And to yourself.”

Mike nodded. “I will.”

But even as he said it, his chest was already tight with the plan forming in his head.

Sunday.

Everyone together.

The house full again. Laughter, music, familiar faces. A moment that felt right—safe.

Something real.

Something honest.

Karen watched him for a beat longer, sensing there was more he wasn’t saying.

“I’m glad you’re home,” she said instead.

“Me too,” Mike replied.

A second later, as they rejoined the others, Mike turned back to her.

“Hey, um—could you maybe… make some calls on Sunday? Get people over? Just… surprise everyone.”

Karen smiled. “Of course. You don’t even have to ask.”

Mike smiled back—but his eyes flicked toward the living room, where Will was laughing at something Dustin said, head thrown back, beautiful and unguarded.

Karen didn’t see the look on Mike’s face.
Didn’t see the way his resolve had already settled.

Because no matter how gently she warned him, Mike Wheeler had already decided—
Sunday was going to change everything.

And he wasn’t backing out now.

The days between Friday night and Sunday moved strangely—too fast and too slow at the same time.

Mike spent them half-present, half somewhere else entirely.

He helped Dustin fix a loose controller wire.

He argued with Lucas about what movie was objectively the best.

He listened while Max and Nancy talked over each other in the kitchen.

But underneath it all, his mind was busy assembling something fragile and deliberate—who would arrive when, what music would already be playing, how the lights would be set just low enough.

He kept glancing at Will when he thought no one noticed.

Will didn’t notice.

Will was… lighter here. Softer. Hawkins did that to him, even now—like the air itself remembered him.

He laughed more easily, wandered the house with familiarity, sat cross-legged on the carpet like no time had passed at all.

He talked to Nancy about art programs and helped Holly with a puzzle and let Dustin rope him into some half-baked D&D argument that wasn’t even a real campaign.

He didn’t see the way Mike watched him from doorways.

Didn’t hear the way Mike practiced words silently at night.

Chapter Text

Sunday morning came bright and deceptively normal.

Karen had already started prepping food, humming quietly to herself.

Ted hovered uselessly near the doorway, occasionally huffing and muttering about noise levels and parking before being sternly hushed with a soft but firm, “Ted,” that somehow worked every time.

Will lingered near the phone on the kitchen wall, twisting the cord around his fingers.

“Mrs. Wheeler?” he asked politely. “Um—would it be okay if I used the phone? I just… I should probably call Jamie. Let him know I got here safe.”

Karen turned from the counter, smile gentle. “Of course, sweetheart. Go ahead.”

Will smiled back, relieved. “Thank you.”
Mike froze.

He busied himself opening a cabinet he didn’t need to open, heart pounding a little too hard as Will lifted the receiver and dialed from memory. The rotary clicks felt impossibly loud.

Karen glanced at Mike—not suspicious, just observant.

He looked away.

The line clicked.

“Hey,” Will said softly when Jamie answered. “It’s me.”

A pause. Long enough to hurt.

“…Yeah,” Jamie said on the other end, voice flat. “I figured.”

Will winced slightly. “I just wanted you to know I made it. We’re all here. Safe.”
Another pause.

“You didn’t have to call,” Jamie said. “You made it pretty clear you didn’t want me there.”

“That’s not—” Will lowered his voice, stepping a little farther into the kitchen corner. “Jamie, it’s not like that. It’s just… it’s a group thing. From home. I needed—”
“Space,”

Jamie cut in. “Yeah. I got that.”

Will swallowed. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You still did,” Jamie replied, quieter now.

Not angry—worse. Tired.

“I don’t know where I fit with you lately, Will.”

Will stared at the floor. “You do. I just… I can’t explain everything over the phone.”

There was a soft exhale on the other end. “Then don’t.”

Silence stretched.

“I’ll see you when you get back,” Jamie finally said.

“Have fun.”

The click came before Will could respond.

He stood there for a second, receiver still in his hand.

Karen watched him gently replace it, her smile fading just a touch—but she said nothing.

Mike turned around then, casual on the surface, heart racing underneath. “Everything okay?”

Will forced a small smile. “Yeah. He’s just… still a little mad.”

Mike nodded, jaw tight. “He’ll get over it.”

Will didn’t answer that.

He just leaned against the counter, arms folded, staring into nothing for a moment longer than usual.

Mike watched him—this soft, conflicted version of Will—and felt the plan settle deeper in his chest.

Sunday night.

Everyone together.

One moment.

One truth.

Karen glanced between them, sensing the tension but letting it lie.

Outside, a car door slammed. Someone laughed. The house began to fill.

And Will—still oblivious—had no idea that by the end of the night, everything he thought was stable was about to shift.

The sound of tires crunching over the gravel driveway cut through the low hum of the house.

Mike’s head snapped up first.

Outside, headlights flashed once, then went dark.

Another car rolled in behind it.

Doors slammed.

Voices carried—familiar ones, louder than they had any right to be.

Karen wiped her hands on a dish towel, already smiling.

“Well,” she said warmly, “sounds like we’re officially starting.”

Ted huffed from his chair. “Mmph.
Parking’s gonna be a mess,” he muttered.

“Ted,”

Karen said, sweet but firm.

The doorbell rang—sharp, excited.
Karen opened the door and immediately stepped back as the house filled with noise.

“Surprise—well, not surprise, but hi!”
Robin blurted, grinning wide.

Steve stood just behind her, hands shoved into his jacket pockets, eyes already scanning the house.

“Wow. Wheeler residence still standing. Impressive.”

Joyce Byers stepped in next, eyes soft and shining as she took it all in.

“Oh, Karen… it’s so good to see you.”

Jonathan followed, lugging a duffel over one shoulder. “Smells like home,” he said quietly.

Then—“Move, move, I can’t see!”—Erica Sinclair squeezed past everyone, hands on her hips.

“Wow. So this is where the legends live.”

From the back, Hopper ducked inside last, hitting his head lightly on the doorframe.

“Ow—son of a—” He straightened, scowling.

“Same door. Every time.”

Karen laughed, ushering them all in.

“Come on, come on, you’re all freezing out there.”

Ted grunted. “Too many people.”

“Ted,” Karen repeated.

Mike stood frozen for half a second—then snapped into motion.

“Okay—everyone, uh—everyone into the living room!”

he said, louder than usual, clapping his hands once.

“Just—trust me. Don’t wander. Don’t ask questions.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “Bossy today, Wheeler.”

Robin leaned closer to Joyce, whispering loudly, “Ohhh, this so nice.”

Joyce smiled, eyes already searching the room. “Is Will—?”

Before she could finish, Will stepped forward.

“Mom,” he said softly.

Joyce’s face crumpled instantly. She crossed the room in three strides and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Oh, honey,” she murmured. “You’re home.”

Will hugged her back, breathing her in, eyes briefly closing.

“I missed you.”

Hopper cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Hey, kid,” he said gruffly. “You look… taller. Or I’m shrinking.”

Will smiled. “Probably both.”

Jonathan clapped a hand on Will’s shoulder.

“Good to see you, man.”

Erica had already planted herself on the arm of the couch.

“So,” she announced, “are we all just standing here or is something about to happen?”

Mike swallowed, nerves buzzing. “Just—just wait. Please.”

Karen watched him closely, suspicious but amused.

“Michael Wheeler,” she said gently, “what exactly are you plotting?”

Mike flashed an innocent smile. “Nothing illegal.”

Ted snorted. “That’s new.”

They all gathered into the living room—standing, sitting, hovering. The air felt tight, expectant, buzzing with something unspoken.

Will drifted closer to Mike, lowering his voice.

“Okay,” he murmured, eyes flicking around the crowded room.

“Be honest with me. Was all this… your doing?”

Mike hesitated.

Then nodded.

“Yeah,” he admitted quietly. “I wanted everyone together. Just… like old times.”

Will stared at him for a moment, something soft and overwhelmed flickering across his face.

“You did all this?” he asked.

Mike shrugged, suddenly shy. “I mean. With some help.”

Will didn’t say anything else. He just stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Mike, hugging him tightly—no hesitation, no doubt.

Mike stiffened for half a second—then melted into it, arms coming up around Will’s back, holding on a little longer than strictly necessary.

“Thank you,” Will whispered. “I didn’t even know how much I needed this.”

Mike swallowed hard, chin brushing Will’s hair. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Me too.”

Across the room, Karen watched them with a soft smile—and a knowing look that lingered just a little too long.

Robin nudged Steve. “You see that?”

Steve nodded. “Yeah. I see it.”

Joyce’s eyes shone.

Hopper looked away, pretending not to notice anything at all.

And Will, still oblivious to the full truth, pulled back just enough to smile at Mike—warm, grateful, trusting.

Mike smiled back.

Sunday had only just begun.

Joyce barely gave Will a chance to breathe before pulling him into the kitchen.

“There you are,” she said, hands on his shoulders, eyes shining as she looked him over. “You look healthy. You look—god—older.”

Will laughed softly. “That tends to happen when you don’t live at home anymore.”

Joyce smiled, brushing his hair back the way she always had. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Will said, meaning it.

Robin slid in beside them a moment later, leaning against the counter with her usual easy grin.

“Okay, not to interrupt the reunion tour, but I just have to say—”

She tilted her head toward the living room.

“That hug. You and Mike. That was… something.”

Will blinked. “What?”

Robin shrugged lightly, like she wasn’t poking at anything important. “Just—long. Comfortable. Familiar. Like you forgot there were other humans around.”

Will felt heat creep into his cheeks. “We’re friends.”

“Mmhmm,” Robin said, tone neutral but eyes sharp. “Just friends.”

Joyce smiled fondly, oblivious. “Mike’s always been very good to you.”

Will nodded, unsure why his chest felt suddenly tight.

Across the room, Steve clapped a hand on Mike’s shoulder and steered him toward the hallway.

“Walk with me,” Steve said quietly.
Mike stiffened. “Uh—okay?”

Steve didn’t look at him at first. “You good, man?”

Mike shrugged. “Yeah.”

Steve stopped, finally turning to him. “That wasn’t a convincing yeah.”

Mike exhaled through his nose. “I’m fine.”

Steve studied him for a beat longer, then nodded. “Alright. Just—don’t do anything stupid kid.”

Mike huffed. “Wow. Inspirational.”

Steve smirked. “That’s my job.”

They drifted back into the living room as conversations overlapped and collided.

Someone laughed. Erica made a loud comment from the couch.

Ted muttered something under his breath that earned a sharp but smiling, “Ted,” from Karen.

Robin glanced at Will again, casual as anything.

“So—Jamie didn’t come with you?”
Will hesitated. “No. We… argued. He’s not coming.”

There was a flicker—fast, unreadable—across Mike’s face. Then he turned toward the stereo.

“I, uh,” he said, suddenly too loud, “I made something.”

He slid a cassette into the player.

A familiar, aching melody filled the room—soft at first, then blooming, unmistakably romantic.

Will froze.

Mike didn’t look at him. “I—thought you’d like it.”

Will swallowed. “Mike… is this—?”

“All your favorites,” Mike said quickly. “The Cure. The Clash. The Smiths. Took me a while.”

The opening song wrapped around the room like a held breath.

Before Will could say anything else, Dustin suddenly jumped up on the couch, waving something in the air.

“PHOTO TIME!”

He brandished a Polaroid. “C’mon! Mike, Will, Max, Lucas—get over here!”

Jonathan took the camera, already herding them together. “Alright, arms around each other. No whining.”

They clustered instinctively—Max leaning into Lucas, Dustin throwing an arm over Will’s shoulders, Mike pressed close on Will’s other side.

“Smile,” Jonathan said.

The flash went off.

They waited, watching the photo slowly bloom.

In one shot, everyone was laughing, messy and loud.

In the other—

Jonathan’s smile faded just slightly.

Mike and Will weren’t looking at the camera.

They were looking at each other.

Wide smiles. Soft. Like the rest of the room had fallen away.

Robin noticed Jonathan’s expression first.

She leaned in. Steve followed.

They exchanged a look.

Then the photo got passed around.

“Oh my god,” Max said, grinning. “You two look married.”

Dustin snorted. “Yeah, like—‘we met in kindergarten’ married.”

Will flushed. “It’s just a picture!”

Mike rubbed the back of his neck. “You guys are idiots.”

The teasing faded into laughter, music, movement. People danced. Someone spilled a drink. Karen disappeared into the kitchen.

Mike slipped away.

A few minutes later, Will felt a folded piece of paper press into his hand.

He opened it discreetly.

Basement. Five minutes.

His heart kicked hard.

He waited. Counted. Slipped away when no one was looking.

The basement was dim, lit by a single lamp. Music thudded faintly through the floor above—another Cure song, dreamy and insistent.

Mike was sitting on the old couch, looking up as Will closed the door behind him.

“You came,” Mike said softly.

Will smiled, nervous.

He glanced toward the couch.

“You made all of this… for me?”

Mike nodded, eyes flicking away.

“Every track. I kept thinking—if I could just get it right, maybe you’d hear it. Even if I never said it.”

Will swallowed. “You could’ve said
something.”

“I tried,” Mike said, voice breaking just slightly. “God, I tried.”

They sat. Not touching. Close enough to feel heat.

Will picked up the bottle, turning it in his hands. “So this is… courage?”

Mike smirked weakly. “Liquid stupidity.”

They drank. Laughed. The song swelled—about someone being everything, about feeling lost until them, about heaven being a person, not a place.

Then the lyrics started sounding more clearer.

🎵 You, soft and only 🎵

 

🎵You, lost and lonely 🎵

 

🎵You, just like heaven 🎵

Will shook his head, smiling.

“You’re drunk.”

Mike looked at him then. Really looked.

“Not drunk enough to be wrong.”

Will’s breath hitched. “Mike—”

Mike reached out slowly, like he was giving Will time to pull away.

His thumb brushed Will’s cheek, tentative at first, then firmer.

“You don’t even know what you do to me,”
Mike murmured.

“You look at me and I forget how to breathe.”

Will whispered, “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why?” Mike asked, voice barely there. “Because it’s true?”

The song repeated itself—soft, insistent—about someone being lost, lonely, then suddenly found.

Mike leaned in just enough that their foreheads touched.

“If you tell me to stop,” he said, “I will.”

Will didn’t move. His heart was pounding so loud he was sure Mike could hear it.

“Mike… this isn’t simple.”

“I know,” Mike said. “Nothing about you ever is.”

Their noses brushed.

Will’s voice cracked. “I don’t know what
I’m supposed to do.”

Mike closed his eyes. “Then don’t do anything. Just—feel this. Just for a second.”

He kissed him.

It wasn’t gentle. It was careful, but hungry—years of wanting pressed into one moment. Mike let out a soft, broken sigh like he’d been holding it in forever.

Will froze for half a heartbeat.

Then his hands slid into Mike’s hair.

The kiss deepened—slow, consuming.

Like the world had finally aligned the way it always should have.

When they pulled apart, both of them were breathing hard.

Will’s forehead rested against Mike’s. “We can’t pretend this didn’t happen.”

Mike nodded. “I know.”

Will whispered, “I have a boyfriend.”

“I know,” Mike said again, softer now.

“I’m not asking you to choose. I just—couldn’t keep lying anymore.”

Will’s chest ached. “You should’ve told me.”

Mike laughed quietly, hollow.

“I was scared you’d look at me different.”

Will pulled back just enough to look at him.

“I am looking at you different.”

Mike stiffened. “Bad different?”

Will shook his head slowly. “No. Just… clearer.”

They stood there in the half-dark, the song fading into its last refrain upstairs—about being pulled out of loneliness, about feeling weightless.

Finally, Will said, “We should go back up.”

Mike nodded, though neither of them moved right away.

“Mike?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t do this again without telling me first.”

Mike met his eyes. “I promise.”

They went upstairs.

They danced. They laughed. They acted normal.

But nothing was normal anymore.

Chapter Text

The house didn’t go quiet all at once.
It happened in layers—doors opening and closing, laughter tapering off into softer voices, the scrape of shoes by the front mat.

Steve clapped Mike on the shoulder on his way out, Robin squeezed Will into a too-tight hug, and Jonathan promised—again—that they’d all meet up tomorrow, no excuses this time.

Nancy yawned as she headed upstairs with Max.

“Guess we’re roommates tonight,” she said lightly.

Max grinned.

“Hope you don’t snore.”

Lucas and Dustin disappeared toward the basement, already arguing about who got which blanket.

And then it was just Mike and Will.

The door clicked shut behind the last goodbye, and the silence that followed felt different—thicker. Louder.

“Uh,” Will said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess… I’m with you?”

Mike nodded too fast. “Yeah. Yeah—my room.”

They moved down the hallway together, close enough that their shoulders brushed.

Neither of them said anything.
Inside Mike’s room, the air felt warmer. Smaller.

Mike turned on the lamp.

“You can—uh—change if you want. I’ve got clothes somewhere.”

Will nodded, eyes flicking around the room like it was unfamiliar territory, even though it wasn’t.

“Okay.”

Mike turned away to give him space, fumbling with his dresser, trying very hard not to think about the fact that Will was here. In his room. In his bed.

When Will spoke again, his voice was softer.

“Is this okay?”

Mike glanced over.

Will was holding one of Mike’s old shirts—black, worn thin, the faded Hellfire Club logo cracked with age.

Mike forgot how to breathe.

“Yeah,” he managed. “Yeah. That’s—yeah.”

Will pulled it on without ceremony, tugging it down over his hips, completely unaware of the damage he was doing.

Mike’s chest went tight. His hands curled into fists.

“Oh my god,” Mike muttered before he could stop himself.

Will looked up. “What?”

Mike crossed the room in two steps and shut the door—clicked the lock—more out of instinct than intention. He stopped just short of Will, close enough to feel his warmth.

Will’s breath hitched. “Mike?”

Mike swallowed hard, voice low, wrecked.

“You can’t just do that.”

“Do what?”

“Wear that,” Mike said, a shaky laugh in his throat.

His hands hovered at Will’s waist—not grabbing, just there, barely touching, like he was afraid to go further.

“Byers… I didn’t know how good you’d look in that shirt. You have no idea what you’re doing to me right now.”

Will hesitated.

Just for a second.

His heart was hammering so hard he was sure Mike could hear it.

Every instinct told him to step back, to say something smart or careful—but instead, his hands reached out.

He took Mike’s wrists gently and pulled them in, pressing Mike’s palms against his own waist.

“Then…” Will whispered, voice breathless and unsure but wanting, “come do something about it, Wheeler.”

The words surprised him even as they left his mouth.

Mike froze.

His breath stuttered, eyes darkening instantly. “Will—”

“I don’t want you to stop,” Will said softly, almost to himself. “I just… don’t want to think.”

That was all it took.

Mike’s hands tightened at Will’s waist—not rough, not desperate, just real.

Like he’d been holding himself back for years and finally let go.

“Jesus,” Mike breathed, forehead dropping to Will’s.

“You’re killing me.”

Will laughed quietly, shaky. “Yeah? You’re not exactly helping.”

They stayed like that for a beat—foreheads touching, breaths tangled—before Mike forced himself to pull back just enough to look at him.

“We should—” Mike started, clearly fighting himself.

“I know,” Will said.

Neither of them moved.

They both snapped out of it at the same time.

Mike took a step back like he’d touched a live wire, running a hand through his hair.

“We— we should sleep. Before we do something stupid.”

Will nodded too quickly. His chest still felt tight. “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

A beat passed.

“…Can I—” Will hesitated, eyes flicking to the bed.

“Can I sleep in here? With you?”
Mike didn’t even pretend to think about it. “Yeah. Of course.”

They crawled into bed fully dressed, backs stiff at first, a careful distance between them.

The room was dark, quiet except for the faint hum of the house settling around them.

Then Mike shifted.

Without asking, he wrapped an arm around Will’s middle and pulled him back until Will’s spine fit perfectly against his chest, Mike’s hand resting warm and solid against his stomach.

It felt natural in a way that scared Will more than anything else.

They locked together like that—no space, no escape.

Will’s breath went shallow. His thoughts wouldn’t slow down.

Mike’s heartbeat was right there, steady and real, and every nerve in Will’s body felt lit up.

Minutes passed.

Neither of them slept.

Finally, Will moved.

Slowly, deliberately, he turned in Mike’s arms until they were face to face.

Mike’s eyes opened instantly, like he’d been awake the whole time—which, of course, he had.

They lay there tangled together, hearts racing in the dark, knowing everything had already changed—even without crossing the line.

“God will you don’t even know how much turn me on.” Mike whined as he stared deeply into his eyes.

Will hesitated, heart racing, as Mike’s hands rested on his waist.

Then, with a shaky breath, Will slid his hands around Mike, pulling him closer.

“I want you, all of you,” he whispered, voice trembling, not fully knowing what he was doing—but he didn’t want to stop.

Mike grinned against Will’s lips, and their mouths met in a fierce, hungry kiss. It was like they’d both been holding back for years, every brush of lips and press of bodies filled with the heat of unspoken longing.

Mike pulled back just enough to smirk, his forehead resting against Will’s.

“I bet Jamie can’t kiss you like I can,” he murmured, low and teasing.

Will’s stomach fluttered, heat rising to his cheeks, and he pressed closer instinctively, pressing their bodies together as Mike’s lips found his again, slow and lingering, every touch electric.

Their hands wandered over shoulders and arms, gripping, holding, seeking closeness, hearts pounding in sync.

Each kiss was heavy and urgent, but full of the kind of care and tenderness that came from years of friendship, love, and silent yearning finally allowed to surface.

They stayed like that for a long time, caught between laughter and gasps, teasing words and whispered promises, a storm of desire restrained by the intensity of being so near, so close, finally allowing themselves to feel it.

Mike went still, breath uneven, forehead resting against Will’s.

The room felt too quiet, like the world had narrowed down to just the space between them.

“Will,” he said softly, like the word itself was fragile.

“I love you.”

Will’s heart lurched.

He didn’t hesitate this time.

He didn’t overthink it.

He just let himself be honest.

“I love you too,” he whispered back.

Mike let out a shaky laugh, equal parts relief and disbelief, and pulled Will closer, pressing his forehead to his.

“I’ve loved you for a long time,” he admitted.

“I just… didn’t know how to survive saying it out loud.”

Will swallowed, fingers curling into Mike’s shirt. “Me neither.”

They stayed like that for a moment, breathing each other in, the truth settling between them—heavy, terrifying, perfect.

Mike pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes dark but gentle.

“When we go back to NYU,” he said quietly, almost teasing but edged with promise, “we’re not just going to be kissing.”

Will’s breath caught, heat blooming in his chest, but instead of pulling away, he nodded.

Slowly. Deliberately.

“I know,” he said. “But… we keep this between us. For now.”

His voice softened.

“Until I figure out how to end it with Jamie. The right way.”

Mike searched his face, then nodded too.

“Okay. We’ll be careful.”

A pause. Then, softer: “But I’m not going anywhere.”

Will leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Mike’s lips—no rush this time, just warmth and certainty.

When they pulled apart, Will rested his head against Mike’s shoulder, and Mike wrapped his arms around him like it was the most natural thing in the world.

They stayed like that, tangled together in the quiet, knowing everything had changed—even if no one else knew yet.

And eventually they drifted to sleep peacefully still tangled together.

Chapter Text

Morning crept in slowly.

Not all at once—just thin light slipping through the curtains, dust motes drifting lazily in the air, the quiet hum of the house settling back into itself after a long night.

Will woke first.

For a few seconds, he didn’t remember where he was.

Then warmth registered—an arm heavy across his waist, a familiar chest rising and falling behind him.

The scent of Mike’s shampoo. The steady rhythm of his breathing.

Reality landed all at once.
Will went very still.

Mike was asleep, face relaxed in a way Will hadn’t seen in years. No tension in his jaw. No furrowed brow. Just… peaceful.

One hand was curled loosely at Will’s stomach, like it had found its place and refused to let go.

Will swallowed.

Everything felt different in the daylight.

Last night replayed in fragments he couldn’t quite stop—whispers, stolen glances, the weight of words finally said out loud. I love you. The way it hadn’t felt reckless in the moment. The way it still didn’t.

But now there was Jamie.

There was Hawkins.

There was everything waiting outside this room.

Will shifted slightly, testing the space between them.

Mike stirred immediately.

“Hey,” Mike murmured, voice rough with sleep.
His arm tightened instinctively, like he was afraid Will might disappear.

“You okay?”

Will nodded, even though Mike couldn’t see it yet.

“Yeah. Just… awake.”

Mike cracked one eye open, then the other. When he realized how close they were, his breath caught—but he didn’t pull away.

Instead, he smiled. Small. Careful. Like this was something fragile they both needed to protect.

“Morning,” he said quietly.

“Morning,” Will replied.

They stayed like that for a moment, neither rushing to move, both pretending not to hear the distant sounds of the house waking up—doors opening, footsteps, someone laughing downstairs.

Mike finally spoke, softer now.

“Last night… we don’t have to figure everything out today.”

Will let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“I know.”

A pause.

“But,” Will added, turning just enough to look at him, “we will. Soon.”

Mike nodded.

“Yeah. I’m not going to pretend it didn’t happen.”

That made Will smile.

Just a little.

Outside the room, the world waited.
But for one quiet morning, they stayed exactly where they were—caught between what they’d been and what they were about to become.

The almost-catch happened on the stairs.

They’d waited.

Mike cracked the bedroom door first, peering out like he was sixteen again and sneaking back in past curfew.

The hallway was clear—quiet except for voices downstairs, clinking dishes, the low hum of the radio Karen always played in the mornings.

“Okay,” Mike whispered. “Now.”

Will nodded, smoothing his shirt like that might somehow smooth out everything else.

They stepped out together.

Not touching. Not obviously.

Just close enough that their shoulders brushed.

And then—

“Oh! There you boys are.”

Will froze.

Karen stood at the bottom of the stairs, dish towel slung over her shoulder, eyebrows lifting just slightly as she looked from Mike to Will.

Not suspicious. Just… observant. The way moms were.

“Morning,” she said warmly. “Breakfast is almost ready.”

Mike’s brain short-circuited. “Uh—yeah. Smells good.”

Karen smiled. Then—just for a fraction of a second—her eyes lingered. On how close they were standing. On how neither of them moved away.

“Ted!” she called over her shoulder.

“They’re up.”

A muffled grunt came from the kitchen.

Karen turned back to them, smile still there but softer now. Knowing, maybe—but gentle.

“Come sit before it gets cold.”

As she turned away, Will finally exhaled.
Mike leaned in, barely moving his lips.

“She knows something.”

Will whispered back, “She always does.”

Downstairs, the kitchen was full—Nancy pouring coffee, Max stealing bacon off someone else’s plate, Dustin mid-rant about something that absolutely did not need ranting.

They took their seats at the table.
Opposite sides.

For about ten seconds.

Then Mike shifted his foot.

Just enough.

His sock brushed Will’s ankle under the table.

Will’s breath caught, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he nudged back—light, he nudged back—light, deliberate.

Their feet tangled slowly, secretly, like they were learning a new language no one else could hear.

“Will,” Nancy said, sliding a plate toward him. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” he said quickly. Then quieter, more honest: “Yeah.”

Mike leaned forward under the guise of reaching for juice and murmured, so low only Will could hear it, “I love you.”

Will’s heart stuttered.

He didn’t look at him. Didn’t dare.

But he whispered back, “I love you too.”

It didn’t hurt the way it should.

That realization scared him more than anything.

Jamie’s face flickered through his mind—his smile, his patience, the way he’d tried.

The guilt was there, yes, pressing at Will’s ribs like a bruise—but it didn’t ache the way it was supposed to.

Because this wasn’t new.

Hawkins had done this to him.

The basement. The bikes. The years of looking at Mike like he was home and not knowing why.

This love hadn’t started last night.

It had just finally been named.

Across the table, Mike watched Will laugh at something Dustin said, watched the light catch in his hair, and thought—How am I supposed to go back to NYU like this?

He planned quietly.
Carefully.

No slipping.

No jealousy.

No being obvious.

He’d be the good friend. The helpful one. He’d keep his hands to himself in public and his mouth shut when Jamie was around.

He could survive on moments like this.

Under-the-table touches.

Whispered truths.

Stolen looks.

It would be enough.

He hoped.

A knock sounded at the front door.
Everyone stilled.

Nancy checked the clock. “That’ll be them.”

Steve’s voice carried through the door before it even opened.

“If you’re not ready, I’m coming in anyway.”

Robin followed immediately, already talking. “I swear if Dustin brings up the party one more time—”

Jonathan trailed behind them, hands in his jacket pockets, smiling softly when he spotted Will.

“There you are,” he said.

Steve clapped his hands.

“Alright, children. Reunion time. We’re going to the quarry.”

Max’s face lit up. “Seriously?”

“Where we used to hang out all the time,” Robin added. “Thought it felt… right.”

Will stood, heart lifting.

Mike did too—just a fraction slower, eyes meeting Will’s.

“You good?” Mike asked quietly.

Will nodded. “Yeah.”

Their feet brushed one last time under the table before they stepped away.

Whatever came next—NYU, Jamie, the secrets, the waiting—

They had Hawkins.

And for now, they had each other.

The quarry felt like summer used to.

Not the scary kind. Not the upside-down kind. Just heat and sun and the smell of water and rock and old memories baked into the air.

Mike stood there for a second longer than everyone else, letting it hit him—that they were all here, really here, together again.

“Okay,” Dustin said, kicking off his sneakers.

“First of all—why does this place still look exactly the same? Second—why does it smell like my childhood?”

Lucas laughed.

“Because you used to jump off that cliff and scream like you were dying.”

“I was testing gravity,” Dustin shot back. “Important science.”

Max stretched out on a flat rock, arms behind her head.

“So. Hawkins gossip. Anyone get arrested? Any weird cult stuff? Small-town scandals?”

Steve snorted. “You say that like it’s optional here.”

Robin leaned closer to Will.

“Okay but seriously—what’s new? You vanish to New York and come back all artsy and mysterious. Spill.”

Will smiled, real and easy. “Uh… not much. Classes. Museums. Jamie hates the subway.”

Mike’s chest tightened at the name, but he kept his face neutral.

Jonathan nudged Will with his shoulder. “You forgot to mention how you almost got hit by a bike on day one.”

“That was one time,” Will protested. “And I survived.”

“Barely,” Jonathan said, grinning.

Nancy turned to Mike. “What about you? Anything exciting in the city?”

Mike shrugged. “Midterms. Stress. Dustin calling me at three a.m. to ask what a verb is.”

“That was ONE TIME,” Dustin yelled, affronted.

Laughter rippled through the group, loose and warm. Mike let himself breathe with it. Let himself feel normal.

He sat down near the edge, feet planted, watching Will drop his sketchbook beside him and sit too. Close. Not obvious. But close enough that Mike could feel the heat of him through denim.

Their knees brushed.

No one reacted.

But Max glanced over her sunglasses anyway.

“So,” she said casually, “anyone dating anyone exciting we don’t know about?”

Will stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Mike felt it like a live wire.

“Wow,” Robin said. “Straight to the point.”

Max smirked. “What? It’s been months.”

Will cleared his throat. “Uh. Yeah. I mean. I’m—yeah.”

Mike stared out at the water, jaw tight.

Steve saved them. “Hey, who wants to swim? Because I am not sitting here listening to you all interrogate each other like it’s a trial.”

Dustin was already halfway out of his shirt. “Last one in admits they miss Hawkins!”

Lucas groaned. “That’s not fair.”

They scattered into motion—shoes tossed aside, shirts abandoned, laughter echoing off the rocks. Mike stayed seated for a moment longer.

Will looked at him. “You coming?”

Mike hesitated. Then nodded. “Yeah.”

They didn’t race. They walked together, slower, deliberate. At the edge, Will paused.

“You okay?” Will asked quietly.

Mike glanced at him. God, he looked like this place—sunlit, familiar, impossible to forget.

“Yeah,” Mike said. “Just… missed this.”

Will smiled. “Me too.”

They jumped.

The water shocked the breath out of Mike, cold and clean, dragging a laugh from his chest as he surfaced. When he wiped his eyes, Will was already there, hair slicked back, smiling at him like this was the easiest thing in the world.

For a while, nothing hurt.

The ride back to the house was quieter than the quarry, the kind of silence that felt full instead of awkward.

Dustin and Lucas argued softly in the backseat, Max stared out the window with her Walkman half-on, and Will sat beside Mike, knees brushing every time the car hit a bump.

Mike didn’t pull away.

He didn’t need to.

The Wheeler house looked exactly the same when they pulled into the driveway—porch light on, curtains drawn, safe in that deeply suburban, painfully familiar way.

Karen opened the door before they even knocked.

“There you are,” she said warmly, smiling at all of them. “You must be starving.”

Her eyes lingered on Will just a second longer than the others.

“And Will,” she added gently, lowering her voice, “Jamie called earlier. He… didn’t sound great.”

Will froze.

Mike felt it instantly—the way Will’s body went still, the way his fingers curled into the hem of Mike’s sleeve like he needed something solid.

“Oh,” Will said. Then, quieter, more honest, “Shit.”

Karen touched his arm, soft and careful.

“You don’t have to call him back right now if you don’t want to.”

Will swallowed. “No. I— I should.”

Mike watched him step into the hallway, watched his shoulders tense as he picked up the phone.

The kitchen noise faded into the background.

Mike hovered nearby, pretending to look through the fridge, but really listening.

“Hey,” Will said into the receiver. “I just got back—”

There was a pause.

Whatever Jamie said made Will’s jaw tighten.

“I told you I was going home for the weekend.”

Another pause.

Mike’s stomach twisted.

“I didn’t ignore you,” Will said, voice strained. “I was with my friends.”
Longer silence.

Then Will flinched.

“That’s not fair,” he said quietly. “You don’t get to talk to me like that.”

Mike closed the fridge a little too hard.
Will’s voice dropped.

“No, I didn’t lie—”

That was when Mike heard it.
The sharpness.
The edge.

Whatever Jamie said next made Will’s eyes glass just slightly, like he was forcing himself not to react.

Mike crossed the room in three steps.

He didn’t think.
He just acted.

He gently took the phone out of Will’s hand.

“Hey,” Mike said into the receiver, voice calm but cold. “This is Mike.”

Will’s head snapped up. “Mike—”

Mike held up a hand. I’ve got this.

There was an indignant voice on the other end, raised now.

Mike scoffed. “No, you don’t get to talk to him like that.”

A beat.

“I don’t care if you’re his boyfriend,” Mike continued, jaw tight.

“You don’t get to make him feel like crap because he came home to see his family.”

Another pause. Jamie clearly wasn’t used to pushback.

Mike’s grip tightened around the phone.
“Yeah, I’m serious,” he said.

“He doesn’t owe you an explanation for every second of his life.”

Will stared at him, heart clearly racing.

“And for the record,” Mike added, voice sharp now, “if you’ve got a problem with that, take it up with yourself. Not him.”

Silence.

Mike didn’t wait.

He hung up.

The kitchen felt too quiet.

Will blinked at him. “You didn’t—”

“I did,” Mike said, turning to face him fully. “And I’d do it again.”

Will’s voice wavered. “Mike, you didn’t have to—”

“I know,” Mike said softly. “But I wanted to.”

Karen stood in the doorway, arms folded—not angry. Observant.

“Well,” she said carefully, “dinner will be ready in a bit.”

She gave Mike a look. Not a scolding one. A knowing one.

Then she walked away.

Will let out a shaky breath. “He was… being an ass.”

Mike nodded. “Yeah. I noticed.”

For a second, Will looked like he might cry.
Instead, he stepped closer.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Mike leaned in just enough to murmur back, “Always.”

No one else noticed.

And that somehow made it worse—and better—at the same time.

Will didn’t say anything at first.

He just looked around.

The kitchen was empty. The hallway quiet.

Laughter drifted faintly from the living room—Steve and Dustin arguing about something stupid, the clink of plates as Karen finished up dinner.

The coast was clear.

Before Mike could ask what he was doing, Will reached out and grabbed his wrist.

Firm. Certain.

Mike’s breath caught.

Will didn’t look back as he pulled him down the hallway, fingers tight like he was afraid Mike might disappear if he let go.

Mike didn’t resist.

Didn’t speak.

He just followed, heart pounding so hard it felt like it was echoing in his ears.

The bedroom door shut behind them.
Locked.

The sound was final.

Mike turned—

And suddenly Will was pressed back against the door, Mike’s hand braced beside his head, the other settling at Will’s jaw, thumb brushing his cheekbone like he’d memorized it already.

Neither of them spoke.
They were too close.

Mike’s voice, when it came, was low. Rough.
“You okay?”

Will swallowed, eyes dark. “Do I look okay?”

Mike leaned in, just enough that their foreheads touched. “You dragged me in here like you were gonna do something about it.”

Will’s breath hitched. “Maybe I am.”

Mike’s thumb traced slowly along Will’s jaw, stopping just under his chin, tilting his face up. His eyes searched Will’s like he was asking permission without saying the words.

“You keep looking at me like that,” Mike murmured, “and you’re gonna ruin me.”

Will laughed softly, shaky. “You already did.”

That did it.

Mike’s hand slid fully to Will’s face now, warm, steady, grounding him there. His voice dropped, intimate, like the rest of the world didn’t exist.

“You have no idea how hard it was not saying anything back there,” he said.

“Watching you hold it together. Watching him talk to you like that.”

Will’s fingers curled into Mike’s shirt. “I didn’t want you to hear.”

“I wanted to protect you,” Mike said simply. “Still do.”

Will’s breath stuttered. “Then don’t stop.”

Mike’s forehead dropped to Will’s shoulder as he exhaled, like he was losing a fight he’d already decided to surrender.

“You’re dangerous,” he whispered. “You know that?”

Will tilted his head, lips close to Mike’s ear.
“So are you.”

Their mouths met—slow at first, deliberate, like they were testing the ground beneath them. Then deeper. Hungrier. All the restraint from earlier unraveling at once.

Mike pulled back just enough to breathe, eyes blown wide, hands firm at Will’s sides.
“I swear,” he murmured, voice wrecked,

“I’ve wanted this for so long.”

Will’s hands slid up Mike’s arms, holding him there. “Then don’t think. Just—stay.”

Mike leaned in again, slower this time, softer—but no less intense. The kind of kiss that said this matters. The kind that left no doubt.

A knock echoed faintly from downstairs. Someone calling Mike’s name.

They froze.
Mike rested his forehead against Will’s, breathing hard. “Dinner.”

Will smiled despite himself. “Yeah.”

Neither of them moved right away.

Mike brushed his thumb under Will’s eye, gentle now.
“This isn’t going anywhere,” he said quietly. “Okay?”

Will nodded. “I know.”

They separated reluctantly, hands lingering, eyes saying what they couldn’t yet.

Mike unlocked the door.

Dinner passed in a blur of familiar chaos—Karen’s lasagna steaming on the table, Ted grunting through bites, Nancy quizzing everyone on their lives like it was an interview.

The group traded stories, laughs echoing off the walls, but underneath it all, Mike and Will exchanged glances that felt electric, charged with everything unsaid.

As plates were cleared and the evening wound down, the phone rang again. Karen answered, her voice muffled from the kitchen. A moment later, she poked her head into the living room.

“It’s Jonathan,” she said, holding out the receiver. “For you guys.”

Mike took it, Will hovering close.

“Hey, man. What’s up?”

Jonathan’s voice crackled through the line, laid-back as ever.

“Hey. So, we were thinking—before you guys head back to college life and forget about us small-town folks again—wanna hit the arcade? Like old times? Everyone’s game. Steve’s already complaining about losing at Dig Dug, and Robin’s got quarters burning a hole in her pocket.”

Mike glanced at Will, who nodded subtly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah, sounds good. We’ll meet you there.”

They hung up, the decision settling over them like a spark.

The group piled into cars, the drive to the arcade short but buzzing with anticipation.

Neon lights flickered as they pulled up, the familiar hum of games spilling out into the night air.

Inside, it was a time warp—Pac-Man beeps, the clang of Skee-Ball, the scent of stale popcorn and overheating machines. Dustin immediately claimed the Dragon’s Lair cabinet, Lucas and Max teaming up on a racing game, while Steve and Robin bickered over high scores on Galaga.

Mike and Will wandered off toward the back, drawn to the old Dig Dug machine they’d spent countless quarters on as kids. Mike fed in a coin, the screen lighting up with pixelated nostalgia.

“Remember when we’d skip lunch to come here?” Mike said, pumping the handle as his character dug through the dirt.

“Dustin always hogged this one, swearing he could beat the high score.”

Will leaned against the side of the machine, watching Mike’s focused expression.

“Yeah. And you’d get so mad when you died on level three. Threw a fit once and almost got us kicked out.”

Mike laughed, the sound light but edged with something deeper.

“God, those were simpler times. Before… everything.” He paused as his character inflated a monster, the game beeping triumphantly.

“I feel bad, you know? About Jamie. He doesn’t deserve this mess.”

Will’s stomach twisted, guilt flooding in like it always did when reality crept back.

He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then lowered his voice.

“I know. Me too. He’s been good to me—patient, kind. But… Mike, this? You and me? It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Even back then, in Hawkins, when we were just kids biking around, fighting whatever nightmare came next. I couldn’t help it then, and I can’t now. Even if it means hurting him… I just can’t stop myself when it comes to you.”

Mike let the game character die on screen, turning fully to Will. His eyes softened, a mix of regret and resolve.

“I get it. The guilt’s killing me too—sneaking around, lying by omission. But being here, with you… it feels right. Like we’ve been waiting for this forever. Jamie’s great, but he’s not… us. He’s not Hawkins. He’s not you.”

Will swallowed hard, his hand brushing Mike’s subtly behind the machine.

“We have to figure this out. Soon. But tonight? Let’s just… be.”

Mike nodded, restarting the game. “Yeah. Deal.”

The night stretched on with shouts of victory and defeat from the group, the arcade a bubble of the past where guilt simmered but didn’t boil over.

For a few more hours, they were just Mike and Will—old friends, new lovers, tangled in something inevitable.

 

The goodbyes came in waves.

Karen hugged them all like she was trying to memorize the shape of them.

Ted hovered behind her, hands in his pockets, offering a gruff, “Drive safe,” like it physically pained him to say more.

Nancy squeezed mike tight and said, “Call when you get back, okay?” her voice soft but firm, like an older sister who still worried even when she pretended not to.

Steve clapped Mike on the shoulder. Robin smiled knowingly. Jonathan lingered just long enough to meet Will’s eyes and nod.

Then it was time.

Lucas and Max piled into one car, Max already arguing over which cassette to play. Dustin tossed his bag into the front seat of the other car with exaggerated care.

“Careful,” he said. “That’s important stuff.”

Mike peered in. “Those are comic books.”

“Historic artifacts,” Dustin corrected. “Which means you two are in the back.”

Mike didn’t argue.

Will slid in beside him, their shoulders brushing immediately.

The engine rumbled to life, Hawkins streets rolling past the windows as dusk settled in. A few miles out, Mike reached down and pulled out a folded blanket.

“My mom made me take it,” he muttered. “In case it got cold.”

Will smiled. “Of course she did.”

Mike spread it over them, careful, casual. Underneath it, his hand found Will’s.
Will didn’t hesitate. Their fingers laced together, warm and sure.

The radio crackled softly, The Smiths bleeding through the speakers.

Will leaned forward slightly. “Hey, Dustin?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you turn it up?”

Dustin grinned, reaching for the dial. “Now you’re speaking my language.”

The volume rose. Dustin started humming along, eyes fixed on the road.

Under the blanket, Mike’s thumb traced slow circles against Will’s knuckles. Then his hand drifted—settling on Will’s thigh. Not squeezing.

Just there. Claiming.

Will’s breath caught.

He didn’t pull away.

Mike leaned in, voice low. “Missed you today.”

Will swallowed. “You’re right here.”

Mike smiled at that.

By the time they reached campus, the sky was dark and the parking lot nearly empty. Dustin grabbed his bag and hopped out.

“Alright, roommates,” he said, smirking.

“See you bright and early.”

The door shut.

Mike unlocked their dorm.

The second it closed behind them, the air changed.

The room smelled faintly of detergent and paper and something unmistakably them.

Posters still crooked on the walls. Will’s sketchbook on the desk. Mike’s old D&D dice on the shelf.

Mike locked the door.

The click echoed.

Will turned slowly, heart pounding. “Mike…”

Mike crossed the room in two steps, hands settling on Will’s waist—firm now, certain.

“You okay?” Mike asked quietly.

Will nodded. “Yeah.”

That was enough.

Mike kissed him—deep, hungry, like he’d been holding his breath for weeks.

Will’s hands fisted in Mike’s shirt, pulling him closer, a soft sound slipping from his throat before he could stop it.

They bumped into the desk, knocking papers loose. Mike laughed softly into Will’s mouth, then kissed him again, slower this time, just as intense.

“God,” Mike murmured, forehead resting against Will’s. “I’ve wanted this for so long.”

Will smiled, breathless. “Then don’t stop.”
Mike kissed his jaw, his cheek, his temple—every touch reverent and aching all at once.

They fell back onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, laughter mixing with shallow breaths.

Mike’s hands roamed—shoulders, waist, back—never crossing the line but skating close enough to make Will’s head spin.

The room felt smaller. Warmer.
Mike pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes dark and full.

“You still with me?”

Will nodded, fingers curling into Mike’s sleeve.

“Yeah. I’m not going anywhere.”

Mike smiled like that meant everything.

They stayed like that for a long moment—kissing slow now, deliberate, full of promise.

When Mike finally rested his forehead against Will’s, they were both smiling, wrecked in the best way.

Outside, the campus was quiet.

Inside, the door stayed locked.
And whatever came next, they knew, would change everything.

Chapter Text

The next morning couldn’t have come any faster, and Mike woke up first.

Not because of noise—but because Will was there.

Curled into his side, warm and solid, breathing slow and even. Mike lay still for a moment, just feeling it. The weight of Will’s arm across his chest. The faint tickle of his hair against Mike’s jaw. The quiet, domestic wrongness of how right it felt.

Sunlight cut across the dorm room in thin bands, catching dust in the air, illuminating the mess they’d made of the bed.

Mike shifted carefully, brushing his thumb along Will’s wrist.

Will stirred immediately.

“Hey,” Will murmured, voice rough with sleep, eyes still closed.

Mike smiled despite himself. “Morning.”

Will blinked awake, then froze slightly when he realized where he was. His gaze flicked around the room, then back to Mike’s face.

“Oh,” he breathed.

Mike’s chest tightened. “That a bad ‘oh’?”

Will shook his head quickly. “No. Just—real.”

They stayed quiet, the weight of last night pressing gently between them. Not regret. Just consequence.

Then—

A knock.

Sharp. Insistent.

Will stiffened.

Mike felt it instantly.

Another knock. Louder.

“Will?” a voice called from the hall. “Open up.”

Will’s heart slammed against his ribs.
Jamie.

Mike sat up, jaw tightening. “I’ve got it.”

Will grabbed his wrist. “Mike—”
“I know,” Mike said quietly. “Just—stay here.”

He swung his legs over the bed and crossed the room, pulling the door open before Jamie could knock again.

Jamie stopped short.

“Oh,” he said, eyes flicking over Mike—rumpled shirt, bare feet, the unmistakable look of someone who hadn’t slept alone.

“Hi,” Mike said flatly.

Jamie’s gaze slid past him, straight into the room.

“Is Will—”

“He’s here,” Will said softly, stepping into view.

Jamie’s expression shifted immediately. Tightened.

“So you were just… not answering?” he asked, tone already edged. “Door locked.”

Will swallowed. “I didn’t hear you.”

Jamie let out a short laugh. “Right.”

He stepped closer—too close—and reached out, fingers wrapping firmly around Will’s arm.

“Can we talk?” Jamie said, voice sharp now. “Privately.”

Will flinched.

Mike didn’t think.

He moved between them in one sharp motion, knocking Jamie’s hand away.

“Don’t touch him like that.” Mike said.

The words landed heavy.

Jamie stared at him. “Excuse me?”

Mike didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t need to.

“He said he didn’t hear you. That doesn’t give you the right to grab him.”

Will’s pulse roared in his ears.

Jamie scoffed. “This is between me and my boyfriend.”

Mike took another step forward.

“Not when you’re being an ass and definitely not in our dorm.”

Silence stretched tight as wire.

Jamie’s face flushed. “Wow. So this is what this is.”

Will opened his mouth. “Jamie, I—”

“Don’t,” Jamie snapped, cutting him off.

His eyes burned. “Just—don’t.”

He looked at Will’s arm like he was seeing it for the first time. Like he could still feel where his hand had been—and where Mike had shoved it away.

“You could’ve told me,” Jamie said. “Instead of letting me show up like an idiot.”

Will’s chest ached. “I know. I’m sorry.”

Jamie shook his head, bitter. “Yeah. Clearly.”

He stepped back, eyes flicking once more to Mike—cold, assessing.

“Take care of him,” Jamie said flatly.

“Since you’re so good at that.”

The door clicked shut.

The sound felt louder than it should have, like it echoed in Mike’s chest.
For a moment, neither of them moved.

Will stayed where he was, back against the wall, staring at the door like it might open again. His breath came uneven, shoulders still tight, like his body hadn’t realized yet that the danger had passed.
Mike hovered a few feet away, hands half-raised, unsure.

“Hey,” he said softly. “You sure you’re okay?”

Will nodded automatically. Then paused. Shook his head once.

“I think so,” he said. “Just… give me a second.”

Mike nodded and backed off without argument, perching on the edge of the bed instead.

He rubbed his hands together, adrenaline still buzzing under his skin. His jaw hurt from how tightly he’d been clenching it.

Silence stretched.

Then Will pushed himself off the wall and crossed the room slowly, sitting beside Mike. Close enough that their knees brushed.

“He didn’t used to grab me like that,” Will said quietly.

Mike’s head snapped up. “What?”

“I mean—he touches me. Obviously,” Will added quickly. “But not like that. That was… different.”

Mike swallowed. “Like he was angry.”

“Like he was afraid,” Will said.

That stopped Mike cold.

Will stared at his hands. “Every time I pull away, he tightens. Every time I don’t answer right away, he acts like I’m leaving him.”

Mike exhaled slowly. “That’s not your fault.”

“I know,” Will said. “I just—” He trailed off, then looked up. “When you stepped in…”

Mike stiffened. “Yeah?”

“I didn’t feel trapped anymore,” Will said.

“It was like someone finally said the thing I’ve been trying not to think.”

Mike’s voice was quiet. “Which is?”

“That I don’t have to let him do that.”

Mike nodded once. “You don’t.”

Will leaned back slightly, eyes searching Mike’s face.

“You didn’t even hesitate.”

Mike let out a breath that was half laugh, half exhale. “I didn’t have time to.”

“That’s not true,” Will said gently. “You always have time. You just chose.”

Mike looked away, ears pink. “Yeah. I did.”
They sat like that for a moment, knees touching, the room still buzzing with leftover tension.

Finally, Will said, “I should probably talk to him. Not now. But… soon.”

Mike nodded. “Yeah. When you’re ready.”

Will smiled faintly. “You’re not going to tell me what to do?”

Mike glanced at him. “Do you want me to?”

Will shook his head. “No. I just—wanted to check.”

Mike’s smile was soft. “Good. Because I trust you.”

That did something to Will’s expression—something warm and unguarded.

He leaned in without thinking, resting his forehead against Mike’s shoulder.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

Mike hesitated only a second before lifting his arm, letting Will tuck into his side again like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Anytime,” Mike said.

Outside, life went on—doors opening, voices passing, footsteps fading down the hall.

Inside, the room settled.

Not back to normal.

But into something steadier.

Something chosen.

For a while, they didn’t say anything.

Will stayed tucked against Mike’s side, forehead still resting near his shoulder, breathing slowly like he was trying to convince his body that it was safe to settle.

Mike let him. He kept his arm loose but steady, not tightening, not pulling away. Just there.

Eventually, Will spoke.

“He’s never done that in front of anyone before,” he said quietly.

Mike didn’t interrupt.

“He always frames it like he’s worried,”

Will went on. “Like I’m fragile or something. Like he’s just trying to help me.”

His fingers curled lightly into the fabric of Mike’s shirt.

“But lately it feels like he’s afraid I’ll slip through his hands if he loosens his grip even a little.”

Mike swallowed. “That’s not concern.”

“I know,” Will said. “I just keep… making excuses for him. Telling myself I’m overreacting.”

Mike shifted slightly so Will could hear him better. “You’re not.”

Will exhaled, long and shaky. “I didn’t even realize how tense I was until you stepped in. It was like—” He searched for the word. “Like my body finally caught up with my brain.”

Mike’s jaw tightened again, but his voice stayed calm. “I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner.”

Will lifted his head, frowning. “Sooner?”

“I’ve seen it,” Mike admitted.

“The way he talks to you. The way you brace when he reaches for you.” He hesitated. “I didn’t want to overstep.”

Will was quiet for a moment. Then he said, softly,

“I wish you had.”

Mike met his eyes. “I won’t hesitate again.”

That earned a small, tired smile from Will.

They sat there like that, knees touching, the room washed in late-morning light. The bed was still rumpled behind them, a quiet reminder of what had come before the interruption — not something shameful, just unfinished.

 

“I don’t think I can pretend nothing happened,” Will said after a while.

Mike nodded. “You don’t have to.”

“I don’t mean just this morning,” Will clarified. “I mean… everything. Hawkins. Here. Us.” He swallowed. “And him.”

Mike didn’t rush him. “What do you want to do?”

The question hung there — simple, open, terrifying.

Will thought about it. About the way Jamie’s hand had tightened. About the way Mike’s voice hadn’t wavered. About how small he’d felt before, and how steady he felt now.

“I don’t know what the end looks like yet,”

Will said honestly. “But I know I can’t keep shrinking to make someone else feel secure.”

Mike nodded, relief flickering across his face. “That’s enough for now.”

Will leaned back into him again, this time on purpose. “Can you stay with me today?”

Mike didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah. Of course.”

Outside, voices passed in the hallway. Someone laughed. A door slammed down the way.

Life continued.

Inside the room, though, something had shifted — not loudly, not dramatically, but irrevocably.

What Jamie had done was no longer just a feeling Will couldn’t name.

And what Mike and Will were doing was no longer just something they didn’t talk about.

They didn’t have all the answers yet.
But they were facing the truth — together — and that felt like the beginning of something they wouldn’t be able to undo.

Jamie found him around lunchtime.

Not immediately. Not like this morning.

Will had half-hoped he wouldn’t, but Jamie had always been good at timing things so they looked accidental.

“Hey,” Jamie said, falling into step beside him as Will crossed the quad.

“You heading back?”

Will slowed, then stopped. He didn’t look surprised. That felt important.

“Yeah,” he said.

Jamie studied him for a second, like he was checking for cracks.

“You left earlier.”

Will nodded. “I needed space.”

Jamie smiled faintly. “From me?”

Will met his eyes. “From this morning.”

The smile didn’t disappear—but it changed.

“I told you,” Jamie said easily, “I was just frustrated. Anyone would be.”

Will folded his arms. “You grabbed me.”

Jamie scoffed softly. “Come on. I touched your arm.”

“You grabbed me,” Will repeated. Calm. Steady.

Jamie’s jaw tightened. “You’re making it sound worse than it was.”

Will felt that familiar pull—the urge to smooth it over, to soften the moment. He didn’t.

“It felt worse than it was,” he said. “To me.”

Jamie stared at him, searching for the old version of Will—the one who would apologize by now.

“You’ve been different lately,” Jamie said instead. “Distant. Cold.”

Will shook his head. “I’ve been honest.”

Jamie laughed once, sharp. “You call this honest? Locking yourself away with your roommate and not answering me?”

Will didn’t rise to the bait. “Mike didn’t tell you not to come.”

Jamie’s eyes flickered. “He didn’t have to.”

There it was.

Will took a breath. “I’m not asking your permission to exist.”

Jamie’s voice dropped. “I’m not asking you to disappear. I just want to matter.”

“You do,” Will said. “But not like that.”

Jamie stepped closer. Not touching this time. “You’re choosing him.”

Will didn’t answer right away.

He thought of Mike’s voice that morning—steady, unflinching. Thought of how his body had finally relaxed when someone else said no for him.

“I’m choosing myself,” Will said finally.

“And I need you to respect that.”

Jamie’s expression hardened.

“So this is an ultimatum,” he said.

“No,” Will replied. “It’s a boundary.”

Jamie laughed again, but there was nothing amused in it. “Funny. You never had those before.”

Will held his ground. “I do now.”

For a long moment, Jamie just looked at him. Then he nodded, slow and deliberate.

“Fine,” he said. “Take your space.”
Will knew better than to believe the ease of it.

Jamie leaned in just enough to make the words feel like a warning.

“Just don’t pretend this came out of nowhere.”

Then he turned and walked away.
Will stood there until he was gone.
His hands were shaking—but he wasn’t confused.

He didn’t go anywhere else.
Didn’t wander. Didn’t sit alone trying to process it.
He went back.

The door was unlocked. The room dim, familiar. Mike was sitting on his bed, knees pulled up, a book open but clearly unread.
He looked up instantly when Will came in.

“Hey,” Mike said, careful.

Will crossed the room without answering and sat beside him. Close. Deliberate.

Mike closed the book. “How did it go?”

Will let out a slow breath. “Badly. But… cleanly.”

Mike nodded. “That’s usually how it starts.”

Will glanced at him. “I didn’t apologize.”

Mike’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Yeah?”

“And I didn’t let him tell me what I meant,” Will added. “I didn’t shrink.”

Mike’s mouth curved into a small, proud smile. “I noticed.”

Will leaned into his shoulder, exhaustion finally catching up. “I don’t know what he’s going to do next.”

Mike shifted just enough to brace him.

“You won’t have to deal with it alone.”

Will closed his eyes for a second. “I know.”
They stayed like that—quiet, grounded, chosen.

Outside the room, things were still complicated.

Inside it, Will had made a decision.
And this time, he didn’t feel like he was losing something.

He felt like he’d stopped giving pieces of himself away.

Chapter Text

The next few days were… quiet.

Too quiet.

Jamie didn’t show up outside the dorm again. He didn’t corner Will on the quad or linger outside classes. He didn’t touch him at all.

Instead, he was polite.

“Hey,” he said when they passed each other, like nothing had happened. “Hope your week’s been okay.”

Will nodded back, unsettled in a way he couldn’t quite name. “Yeah. You too.”

Jamie smiled. Warm. Easy. The same smile he used when everything was supposed to be fine.

That almost bothered Will more.
In the dorm, Mike noticed the change immediately.

“He hasn’t said anything?” Mike asked one night, sitting on his bed while Will leaned against his desk, sketchbook unopened.

Will shook his head. “Not since that talk.”

Mike frowned. “That’s not like him.”

“No,” Will agreed. “It’s like he’s waiting.”
Mike didn’t argue.

 

Two days later, a note appeared under the door.

Not dramatic. Just a folded piece of paper, slid halfway across the threshold like it didn’t want to draw attention to itself.

Will picked it up slowly.

I don’t want things to be weird.
We should talk when you’re ready.
No pressure.

Mike watched him read it.

“That’s pressure,” Mike said flatly.

Will huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah. It is.”

He folded the note once, then again, and set it on his desk. Didn’t throw it away. Didn’t respond.

That night, lying in the dark, Will stared at the ceiling.

“What if he really thinks he’s being reasonable?” he asked quietly.

Mike rolled onto his side to face him. “That doesn’t make it your responsibility.”

Will nodded. “I know. It’s just… he’s good at making it feel like it is.”

Mike was quiet for a moment. Then: “What do you want to do?”

Will considered it. The question felt different now. Real.

“I don’t want to see him alone,” he said finally.

Mike didn’t miss a beat. “Then don’t.”

Will exhaled, tension easing just a little.

“You’re very calm about this.”

Mike smiled faintly. “That’s because I trust you.”

That landed harder than anything Jamie had said all week.

 

They ran into Jamie together the next afternoon.

Not planned. Just a convergence in the hallway outside the lecture hall.

Jamie’s eyes flicked to Mike first this time. Then back to Will.

“Hey,” he said. “I was hoping I’d see you.”

Will didn’t step back. Didn’t step forward either. “I got your note.”

Jamie’s smile was careful. “Good. I meant what I said. No pressure.”

Mike stayed silent. Present. Grounded.

“I don’t want to talk right now,” Will said.

Jamie tilted his head. “Not ever?”

“Not like this,” Will replied.

Jamie’s gaze sharpened. “So he gets a say now?”

Will felt it — the hook. The attempt to redirect.

“He doesn’t speak for me,” Will said evenly. “I do.”

Jamie studied him, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “I’ll wait.”

But as he walked away, he glanced back at Mike — not angry.
Assessing.

Back in the dorm, Will shut the door and leaned against it.

“That felt… different,” he said.

Mike nodded. “He’s adjusting.”

Will looked at him. “That scares me more.”

Mike crossed the room and stopped in front of him. “You handled it.”

Will met his eyes. “I didn’t freeze.”

“No,” Mike said softly. “You didn’t.”

Will smiled then — small, real. “I think I’m done pretending I don’t see it.”

Mike reached out, resting his hand lightly at Will’s wrist. Not possessive. Just there.

“Good,” he said. “Because you’re not wrong.”

Outside, Jamie was still orbiting.
Still waiting.

But inside the room, Will wasn’t shrinking anymore.

And whatever Jamie tried next, it was going to have to reckon with that.

The room stayed quiet for a long time after that.

Not empty — just tight, like the air was waiting to see what would happen next.

Mike eventually shifted back to his bed, not far, just enough to give Will space without leaving him alone. Will stayed where he was, staring at the wall, replaying Jamie’s voice until it started to blur.

Mike broke the silence first.

“Do you want company,” he asked carefully, “or quiet?”

Will considered it. “Company. But… normal company.”

Mike nodded. “Okay.”

A little while later, the knock came — familiar, careless.

“Hey,” Dustin’s voice called. “You guys alive in there, or should we tell the authorities?”

Mike glanced at Will. “Still okay?”

Will nodded. “Yeah.”

Mike opened the door.

Dustin barreled in immediately. “Wow, this room smells like stress.”

Lucas followed, slower, eyes already scanning faces. Max came in last, pausing just inside the doorway.

“So,” Dustin said, clapping his hands once. “Who wants to complain about professors?”

“Pass,” Max said. “Something’s up.”

Will huffed a quiet breath. “You’re perceptive.”

“Terrifyingly so,” Dustin agreed.

They settled into a loose circle — familiar, easy. The kind of togetherness that didn’t require effort. Then the door opened again.

Jamie stepped inside like he hadn’t already been there twice today.

“Hey,” he said, scanning the room. “Didn’t realize it was a group thing.”

“No one scheduled it,” Lucas said evenly.

Jamie’s attention slid to Will immediately. “You left earlier.”

“I told you I needed time,” Will replied.

Jamie crossed the room anyway, resting his hand on Will’s shoulder, thumb brushing like it was muscle memory.

“You do this when you’re stressed.”

Will stiffened.

“I’m not stressed,” he said. “I’m thinking.”

Max’s eyes narrowed. “He said he wanted space.”

Jamie didn’t look at her. “I know how he gets.”

Will turned his head. “I’m right here.”

Jamie smiled, indulgent. “I know.”

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a wrapped sandwich, setting it on the desk.

“You didn’t eat.”

“Yes, I did.”

Jamie tilted his head. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

“You always say that,” Jamie said lightly.

Dustin frowned. “Man, are we interrogating him about lunch now?”

Jamie laughed. “I’m just paying attention.”

“No,” Will said, sharper now. “You’re not listening.”

He stood.

Jamie’s hand slid automatically down his arm, trying to keep contact.

“Don’t,” Will said.

Jamie blinked. “Don’t what?”

“Don’t touch me,” Will said. “Not like that.”

The room went still.

Lucas straightened. Max stepped closer.

Jamie scoffed. “You’re really doing this in front of everyone?”

“I’m answering you,” Will said. “You asked.”

Jamie looked around, irritation flashing.

“So this is what it is now? You choosing them over me?”

There was a beat.

Then Lucas spoke.

“Of course he would,” he said flatly. “He’s known us since we were kids.”

Dustin nodded. “Yeah, man. That’s not some kind of betrayal. That’s history.”

Max crossed her arms. “Why are you acting like that’s weird?”

Jamie’s jaw tightened. “I’m his boyfriend.”

“And we’re his friends,” Max shot back. “Those things aren’t supposed to be a competition.”

Jamie turned back to Will. “You didn’t used to need backup.”

Will met his eyes. “I didn’t used to know I was allowed to say no.”

Silence.

Jamie exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.

“You’re making me look like the bad guy.”

Mike finally stood.

“No,” he said calmly. “You’re doing that yourself.”

Jamie stared at him. “You really can’t help yourself, can you?”

Will answered before Mike could.

“He didn’t tell me what to say,” Will said. “I asked him to stay.”

Jamie’s voice dropped. “So now I’m the problem.”

Max didn’t hesitate. “Right now? Yeah.”

Jamie laughed once, hollow. “Unbelievable.”

He stepped back, hands raised. “Fine. You win.”

“No one’s trying to win,” Will said. “I just want you to stop.”

Jamie looked at him for a long moment, something cold settling behind his eyes.

“We’ll talk later,” he said.

Will shook his head. “Not tonight.”

Jamie paused. “We’ll see.”

Then he left.

The door shut.

Dustin was the first to breathe again.

“Okay. So. That was not normal.”

Lucas nodded. “Not even a little.”

Max turned to Will. “You didn’t imagine any of that.”

Will swallowed. “Good.”

Mike stepped closer, voice low. “You okay?”

Will nodded — this time steady. “Yeah. I am.”

He looked around the room at all of them.
“Thanks,” he said. “For saying something.”

Max shrugged. “You don’t get treated like that. End of story.”

And for the first time, Will believed it wasn’t just something people said.
Because now, everyone had seen it.
And no one was pretending anymore.

They didn’t talk about it right away.
That felt important.

Dustin broke the silence first, dropping back onto the floor with a dramatic sigh.

“Okay. So. Who else feels like they just sat through something they were not prepared for?”

Lucas let out a breath. “That was uncomfortable.”

Max shook her head. “That was not okay.”

Will lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, movements careful, like he was checking whether the room would stay steady beneath him.

“I didn’t mean to turn it into… that.”

“You didn’t,” Max said immediately. “He did.”

Dustin propped himself up on his elbows.

“Yeah. You asked him to stop. That should’ve been the end of it.”

Will stared at his hands.

“He keeps saying he knows what I need better than I do.”

Lucas frowned. “That’s not concern.”

“That’s control,” Max added.

Dustin blinked. “Oh. Wow. Okay. Hate that.”

A small, breathy laugh slipped out of Will before he could stop it. “Yeah.”

Mike stayed quiet, watching Will more than the conversation. When Will finally looked up, Mike gave him a small nod — steady, reassuring, no pressure attached.

“So,” Dustin said after a moment, voice gentler, “what do you want to do?”

The question didn’t feel like a trap this time.

Will thought about the way Jamie’s hand had lingered. About the way the room had gone still when he’d said no — and stayed that way.

“I don’t want to be alone with him,” Will said. “Not right now.”

Max nodded without hesitation. “Then don’t be.”

Lucas added, “We can make that easy.”

Dustin pointed vaguely between Mike and Will. “You two already spend all your time together anyway.”

Mike lifted an eyebrow. “Hey.”

Dustin grinned. “I’m just stating facts.”

Will felt something in his chest loosen. “Thanks.”

Max stood, slinging her jacket over her shoulder. “If he shows up again and you don’t want to deal with it, come to my dorm.”

Will looked up at her. “You’re sure?”

She shrugged. “I’ve got a couch. And I don’t take crap.”

“That tracks,” Dustin said.

After a bit, Dustin and Lucas drifted out, arguing quietly about something unrelated. Max lingered in the doorway.

“Seriously,” she said to Will. “You’re not imagining it.”

Will nodded. “I know.”

She gave him one last look, then left.
The room settled again.

Will sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. “I think he’s going to say I turned everyone against him.”

Mike leaned back against his desk. “Probably.”

“That scares me,” Will admitted.

Mike didn’t pretend otherwise. “Yeah. Me too.”

Will glanced at him. “You’re not going to do anything stupid, right?”

Mike huffed a quiet laugh. “Define stupid.”

“Mike.”

“I’m kidding,” he said quickly. “I won’t. This is your call. I’m here if you want me.”

Will exhaled. “Good.”

He was quiet for a moment, then said softly,

“I don’t feel guilty anymore.”
Mike’s expression softened. “That matters.”

There was a knock at the door.

Both of them stiffened.

Mike looked at Will. “Want me to—”

“No,” Will said, standing. “I’ll talk to him.”
He opened the door.

Jamie stood there, hands tucked into his jacket pockets, expression tight but controlled.

“We should clear the air,” Jamie said.
Will stepped into the hallway instead of letting him inside, keeping the door mostly shut behind him. Mike remained just inside, visible but silent.

“Okay,” Will said. “But I need you to actually listen.”

Jamie scoffed. “I’ve been listening all day.”

Will didn’t take the bait. “You held onto me when I told you not to. And when I pushed back, you kept pressing.”

Jamie’s jaw worked. “I was worried.”

“That’s not how it felt,” Will said. “It felt like you were steering me instead of standing with me.”

Jamie let out a short laugh. “So now I’m the bad guy.”

“I’m not naming villains,” Will said. “I’m telling you what crossed the line.”

Jamie stepped closer. Will didn’t retreat.
“You let everyone pile on me,” Jamie said quietly.

“They spoke up because they saw it,” Will replied. “I didn’t ask them to.”

Jamie searched his face, irritation bleeding through. “You’re not acting like yourself lately.”

Will answered without hesitation. “I’m acting like someone who’s paying attention.”

Silence stretched.

Jamie exhaled sharply. “So what, this is how it’s going to be now?”

“It can’t keep going the same way,” Will said. “That’s all I’m saying.”

Jamie shook his head. “You don’t get to flip the whole script overnight.”

“I’m not flipping anything,” Will replied.

“I’m stopping what doesn’t work.”

Jamie glanced past him, catching sight of Mike through the crack in the door.

“This isn’t over,” he said.

Will nodded once. “I didn’t say it was.”

Jamie stepped back.

Will closed the door and leaned against it, breath finally leaving his chest.

Mike was there immediately. “You okay?”

Will nodded. “Yeah.”

He slid down until he was sitting on the floor, letting out a quiet, incredulous laugh.

“What?” Mike asked.

“I didn’t explain myself to death,” Will said. “I didn’t take it back.”

Mike sat beside him. “That’s huge.”

Will rested his head briefly against Mike’s shoulder. “Thanks for letting me handle it.”

Mike smiled softly. “Always.”

Outside, the hallway buzzed with ordinary noise — voices, footsteps, life moving on.
Inside, something steady settled in Will’s chest.

Not relief.

Not triumph.

Just clarity.

And for the first time, that felt like enough.

Chapter Text

Morning crept in slowly.
The dorm was still wrapped in that quiet stretch where the day hadn’t decided to start yet. Pale light filtered through the curtains, dust floating lazily in its path. The coffee maker sat silent on the counter, waiting.

Will was barefoot, wearing Mike’s sweatshirt, sleeves hanging past his hands. He stood on his toes to reach the cabinet, brow furrowed in concentration.
Mike watched him for a second too long.

“You’re going to fall,” he said.

Will glanced back. “I am not.”

“You absolutely are.”

Mike crossed the room and slid in behind him, hands settling at Will’s hips, steady and warm. Will leaned back into him immediately, like his body knew the shape already.

“See?” Will said. “Problem solved.”

Mike smiled and pressed a kiss behind
Will’s ear. “You smell like my soap.”

“That’s because you stole my towel.”

“Borrowed,” Mike corrected, kissing his neck again. “Permanently.”

Will laughed softly, tilting his head to give Mike better access. “You’re impossible.”

“You love it.”

“I love you,” Will said, easy and unguarded.

Mike froze for half a heartbeat — not from surprise, but from the way the words still hit him every time.

“I love you too,” he said, just as quietly, arms tightening around Will like it was instinct.

The coffeemaker sputtered to life.
They moved together without thinking — Will pouring grounds, Mike reaching past him for mugs, fingers brushing, lingering. Mike stole another kiss when Will turned, slow and warm, thumb tracing Will’s jaw like he was memorizing it.

They ended up on the sofa with their coffee, knees tangled, Will curled into Mike’s side. Mike’s arm stayed around him, thumb drawing idle circles against the hem of the sweatshirt.

Will tipped his head up. “You’re smiling.”

Mike shrugged. “Can’t help it.”

“Why?”

Mike hesitated, then sighed, resting his forehead against Will’s.

“You want the honest answer?”

“Always.”

“I think I figured it out back in Hawkins,” Mike said. “Not all at once. Just—little things.”

Will’s eyes softened. “Like what?”

“Like how I always knew when you were about to leave a room,” Mike said. “Or how everything felt wrong when you weren’t around, even when nothing was actually wrong.” He swallowed. “And how I kept telling myself it was just habit. Or friendship. Or… anything else.”

Will smiled faintly. “And?”

“And then one day I realized I’d been in love with you for so long that I couldn’t remember when it started,” Mike said. “I just knew I didn’t want a future that didn’t have you in it.”

Will’s throat tightened. “Mike…”

“I love you,” Mike said again, firmer this time.

“I choose you. Every version of you.”

Will leaned in and kissed him — not rushed, not desperate. Just full. When they pulled back, Will rested his forehead against Mike’s chest.

“I love you,” he said. “I feel safest with you. Like I don’t have to guess who I am.”

Mike kissed the top of his head. “You never have to.”

He reached out and locked the door, slow and deliberate, then came back and pulled Will closer, their legs tangled again.
They stayed like that until the coffee went cold.

Jamie didn’t push right away.

That, somehow, made it worse.

Later that morning, Will crossed the quad expecting tension and got none. When he saw Jamie near the dining hall, Jamie only nodded — polite, distant — like they were acquaintances instead of anything that had ever mattered.

It unsettled Will more than anger would have.

By the time he got back to the dorm, Mike was there, jacket still on, like he hadn’t gone anywhere.

“You look like you’re bracing for something,” Mike said.

Will dropped his bag and exhaled. “Yeah. I am.”

And somewhere between the warmth they’d shared that morning and the quiet waiting that followed, Will knew something else, too:

Whatever came next, he wasn’t facing it alone.

Jamie didn’t make it obvious at first.

That was the worst part.

It started small — casual comments, said like suggestions instead of orders.

“You don’t need to see them tonight,” Jamie said one afternoon, falling into step beside Will outside the arts building.

“You’ve been running yourself ragged.”

“I told Mike I’d meet him,” Will replied.

Jamie smiled. “You can see him anytime. I don’t get much time with you anymore.”
Will slowed. “That’s not—”

“Come on,” Jamie interrupted gently, hand closing around Will’s wrist. “Just tonight.”

Will pulled his hand free. “Don’t.”

Jamie’s smile thinned. “I’m just asking.”

It kept happening.

Jamie showing up before Will could leave.
Standing too close.
Redirecting him mid-conversation.

Mike knew something was wrong the second Will didn’t show.

“He said he’d meet me,” Mike said, pacing the room, voice sharp with tension. “He doesn’t just forget.”

Max had already stood. “Jamie’s been around him all day.”

Lucas nodded. “He keeps pulling him aside.”

Dustin frowned. “Okay. That’s not great.”

Mike didn’t wait for the rest of the sentence.

They found Will in the hallway near the stairwell.

He was moving slowly, like he was measuring each step.

Mike saw the bruise before Will even looked up.

Dark, already swelling against his cheek.
The world went very still.

“Will,” Mike said.

Will flinched at the sound of his name.
That did it.

Mike crossed the space between them in seconds, hands hovering uselessly at Will’s shoulders, like he didn’t trust himself to touch yet.

“Who did this?” Mike demanded, voice already shaking.

Will swallowed. “Jamie.”

Max sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh my god. I’m calling Jonathan.”

Mike turned on his heel.

“Mike—” Will started.

“I’m not touching him,” Mike said over his shoulder, furious and controlled all at once. “But he is going to hear me.”

Jamie opened the door looking annoyed.
That vanished the moment he saw Mike’s face.

“What do you want?” Jamie snapped.

Mike didn’t raise his voice.

That made it worse.

“You put your hands on him,” Mike said. “You kept him from seeing his friends. And you hit him.”

Jamie scoffed. “You don’t know what happened.”

“I know exactly what happened,” Mike shot back. “He told you no. You didn’t like it.”

Jamie folded his arms. “You think you know him better than me?”

Mike stepped forward so fast Jamie actually leaned back.

“I do,” Mike said, voice shaking with rage now. “I’ve known him since we were kids. I know what he looks like when he’s scared. I know what he sounds like when he’s trying to be brave.”

Jamie sneered. “He pushed me.”

“He tried to leave,” Mike yelled. “And you stopped him.”

Jamie’s jaw clenched. “You’re acting like he’s fragile.”

Mike laughed — sharp, furious, humorless.

“No,” he said. “I’m acting like he’s a person who said no.”

Jamie’s voice dropped. “You think you’ve won something?”

Mike leaned in, eyes burning.

“This isn’t about me,” he said. “This is about you thinking you get to control him.”

Jamie opened his mouth.

Mike cut him off.

“You don’t,” he said. “You don’t get to isolate him. You don’t get to grab him. And you definitely don’t get to hurt him.”

Jamie’s face had gone pale.

“If you ever go near him again,” Mike continued, every word deliberate,

“everyone will know exactly what you did. Steve. Nancy. Jonathan. The school. His family.”

Jamie swallowed.

“You don’t get to rewrite this,” Mike finished. “You crossed a line. And it’s over.”

Mike turned and walked away before his hands betrayed him.

Steve was already crouched in front of Will when Mike got back.

“Hey,” Steve said gently. “You’re safe now.”

Robin hovered nearby, vibrating with barely contained fury. Nancy was scanning the hallway like she was memorizing faces. Jonathan sat beside Will, steady and grounding.

Mike dropped to his knees in front of Will.

“I’m here,” he said, voice breaking. “I’ve got you.”

Will’s eyes filled. “I didn’t think he’d—”

“I know,” Mike said fiercely. “I know you didn’t.”

Will leaned forward, pressing his forehead into Mike’s shoulder. “I just wanted to go see you.”

Mike wrapped his arms around him, holding him like an anchor. “You never did anything wrong.”

Steve stood, cracking his neck. “Okay.
Here’s what’s happening.”

Robin crossed her arms. “Jamie’s done.”

Nancy nodded. “And he’s not spinning this.”

Jonathan squeezed Will’s shoulder. “You’re not alone. Not ever.”

Will closed his eyes, breathing shaking but steadying.

For the first time since it started, the fear loosened.

Because everyone could see it now.
And Mike — furious, unwavering, and absolutely certain — was right there, exactly where he’d always been.

Mike was still shaking when Jonathan stood.
He’d been quiet the whole time — one hand still resting on Will’s shoulder, grounding, familiar. But now his jaw was set, eyes dark in a way Mike recognized instantly.
“I’m not done,” Jonathan said.
Will looked up. “Jonathan—”
Jonathan squeezed his shoulder once. “I won’t hurt him.”
Then he straightened and headed down the hall.
Steve didn’t even ask. He followed immediately.
Robin was already moving. “Oh absolutely not letting you do this alone.”
Nancy fell in step beside them, eyes sharp, already scanning exits.
Lucas and Dustin hesitated for half a second — then went too.
Mike looked at Will. “I’ll be right back.”
Will caught his wrist. “Don’t.”
“I won’t touch him,” Mike said, fierce and sure. “I promise.”
Will nodded and let go.

Jamie didn’t make it far.
Jonathan caught up to him at the end of the hall, just as Jamie was reaching the stairs.

“Hey,” Jonathan said.

Jamie turned, irritation flashing. “What do you want?”

Jonathan didn’t raise his voice.

“You’re coming with us.”

Jamie scoffed. “You think you can order me around now?”

Jonathan stepped closer — not threatening, just immovable.

“You don’t get to walk away from this,” he said. “Not after what you did.”

Jamie laughed nervously. “I didn’t do anything.”

Jonathan’s hand shot out — gripping the front of Jamie’s jacket, not yanking, just stopping him cold.

Steve stepped in behind Jamie immediately.

“Careful,” Steve said lightly. “You don’t wanna trip.”

Robin crossed her arms. “Seriously. This hallway’s very crowded.”

Nancy’s voice was calm, precise. “You isolated him. You grabbed him. And you hit him.”

Jamie’s eyes darted around as the rest of them closed in — not aggressive, just present. A wall.

Jonathan leaned in just enough for Jamie to hear.

“You don’t get to touch him,” Jonathan said quietly. “Ever.”

Jamie swallowed. “He—he pushed me.”

Jonathan’s grip tightened just a fraction.

“He tried to leave.”

Steve nodded. “Classic mistake, dude.”

Robin added, “Huge red flag.”

Jamie scoffed weakly. “You’re all acting like I’m some monster.”

Nancy didn’t blink. “You gave him a black eye.”

Silence.

Jonathan released Jamie slowly — deliberately — like he was choosing restraint.

“You’re done,” Jonathan said. “You stay away from him. From all of us.”

Jamie sneered. “Or what?”

Jonathan met his eyes. “Or this doesn’t stay private.”

Steve cracked his neck. “And trust me, man. It won’t.”

Robin smiled tightly. “I talk. A lot.”

Nancy’s voice dropped. “And will’s step dad is a cop.”

Jamie’s confidence drained.

“You think he’s going to choose you?”

Jamie snapped suddenly, desperate.
Jonathan didn’t hesitate. “He already did.”

Mike stepped forward then, voice cold. “Because we don’t hurt the people we love.”

Jamie looked around — at the faces, the certainty, the absolute lack of doubt.
For the first time, he looked afraid.

“Get away from him,” Jonathan said one last time.

Jamie backed up a step.

Then another.

Then he turned and left.

They walked back together.

No one spoke until they reached Will.
Steve knelt in front of him again. “You okay, buddy?”

Will nodded, eyes shining. “Yeah.”

Robin crouched beside him. “You were very brave.”

Nancy smiled softly. “You did exactly the right thing.”

Jonathan sat beside him, voice gentle now. “I’m sorry I didn’t step in sooner.”

Will shook his head. “You did now.”

Mike sat down and pulled Will carefully into his chest.

“I love you,” he said, fierce and unwavering.

Will closed his eyes, breathing him in. “I love you too.”

The hallway outside buzzed with life, unaware.

But inside that circle, something was over.
And something safer had taken its place.

They were all back in the room later that evening — Steve leaning against the wall like he was on watch, Robin perched on the arm of the chair, Nancy sitting cross-legged on the floor, Jonathan nearby but quiet. Dustin and Lucas argued softly over who’d stolen whose jacket. Max hovered close to Will without hovering.

The room felt full in a good way.

Safe.

Will sat on the edge of the bed, fingers twisting in the sleeve of Mike’s sweatshirt. Mike sat beside him, close enough that their knees touched.

The room was still buzzing when Will cleared his throat.
Everyone looked up again.
“I—uh,” Will said, then stopped. He glanced sideways at Mike and leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper only Mike could hear. “Before I say the rest… should we tell them? About us?”
Mike didn’t hesitate. He turned slightly, forehead brushing Will’s temple.
“I don’t want secrets either,” he whispered back. “If you’re ready, I am.”
Will nodded once. Steady now.
“Okay,” he said, louder. “I need to tell you all something.”
Dustin immediately sat up straighter. “I don’t like that tone.”
Max shot him a look. “Shut up.”
Will took a breath. “I’m ending things with Jamie. Completely.”
The reaction was instant.
“Good,” Steve said.
“Yes,” Robin added.
Nancy nodded firmly. “That’s the right call.”
Jonathan’s voice was quiet but sure. “I’m really glad.”
Dustin blinked. “Like… done-done?”
“Yes,” Will said. “Tonight.”
Mike’s hand slid into Will’s, fingers lacing together.
“There’s more,” Will added. “And it kind of explains… everything.”
Lucas frowned slightly. “Okay.”
Will looked down at their joined hands, then back up. “Mike and I are together.”
Silence hit the room like a held breath.
Then—
“Oh,” Steve said slowly.
Robin’s eyebrows shot up. “Ohhh.”
Nancy’s mouth curved into a soft smile. “That makes a lot of sense.”
Jonathan nodded once, calm. “Yeah. It does.”
Max smirked. “I knew it.”
Dustin stared at them, then pointed. “OH. That’s why the door was locked all the time.”
Mike groaned. “Dustin.”
“What?” Dustin said. “I thought you were just really committed to privacy.”
Lucas shook his head. “How long?”
Will hesitated. “Since Hawkins.”
“Since Hawkins?” Robin echoed.
Steve blinked. “You’re telling me this has been going on for years?”
Mike shrugged. “We’re subtle.”
Max snorted. “No, you’re not.”
The mood softened, but Mike’s expression shifted again — more serious.
“There’s one more thing,” he said.
Will turned toward him. “What?”
Mike glanced around the room. “I think we should tell Hopper. About Jamie. About everything.”
No one questioned it.
Steve nodded immediately. “Yeah. Jim should know.”
Robin crossed her arms. “If anyone’s going to shut this down properly, it’s him.”
Nancy added, “He won’t let this get buried.”
Jonathan’s jaw tightened. “And he’ll protect Will.”
Will swallowed. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s tell him.”

Steve didn’t wait.
He crossed the room and grabbed the dorm phone, the cord stretching as he dialed.
“Hopper,” came the familiar gravelly voice. “This better be important.”
“It is,” Steve said. “It’s Will.”
There was a pause. Then, sharper: “What happened.”
“He was hurt,” Steve said plainly. “By Jamie. We’re at the dorms.”
Silence.
“Stay put,” Hopper said. “I’m on my way.”
The line went dead.
Steve set the phone down. “Ten minutes.”

When Hopper arrived, the hallway seemed to shrink around him.

He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t rush.

He took one look at Will and his jaw set hard.

“Hey, kid,” Hopper said gently. “Can we talk?”

Will nodded.

They stepped just inside the room, away from everyone else.

Hopper crouched slightly to meet Will’s eye level.

“You don’t have to tell me anything you’re not ready to.”

Will swallowed. “He tried to stop me from seeing my friends. And when I tried to leave… he hit me.”

Hopper’s face went very still.

“Okay,” he said quietly. “That’s enough. You did nothing wrong.”

Will’s voice shook. “I kept thinking maybe I was overreacting.”

Hopper shook his head. “No. You trusted your gut. I’m proud of you.”

Will blinked. “You are?”

“Yeah,” Hopper said firmly. “I am.”

He stood and stepped away to handle things.

Jamie didn’t argue much.

He didn’t get the chance.

Afterward, Hopper came back into the room and rested his hands on his hips, surveying the group.

“Alright,” he said. “Here’s what’s happening.”

Everyone looked at him.

“I’ve already spoken to Joyce,” Hopper continued.

Will’s head snapped up. “You did?”

Hopper’s expression softened. “Yeah.

She’s worried sick. Wants you home.”
Will’s throat tightened. “Home?”

“For a few weeks,” Hopper said. “She wants to take care of you. Feed you too much. Hover. The usual.”

A small, fragile smile tugged at Will’s mouth.

Hopper glanced around the room. “And she said—very specifically—that if any of you want to come too, you’re welcome.”

Dustin’s eyes widened. “Mrs. Byers invited us?”

Nancy smiled. “Of course she did.”

Jonathan nodded. “That’s her.”

Mike squeezed Will’s hand. “What do you want to do?”

Will didn’t hesitate.

“I want to go home,” he said. Then, softer,

“I want all of you there.”

Steve grinned. “Road trip.”

Robin nodded. “I’m in.”

Lucas shrugged. “Obviously.”
Max smiled. “Yeah.”

Dustin pumped a fist. “Hawkins lives.”

Hopper looked at Will again. “You ready for that?”

Will nodded, eyes bright. “Yeah. I am.”

Hopper clapped his hands once. “Alright then. We head out in the morning.”

Mike leaned in and pressed his forehead to Will’s. “I’m with you.”

Will smiled, exhausted but steady. “I know.”

For the first time since it started, the future didn’t feel like something to brace for.

It felt like a place he was going back to.
With everyone.