stranger things · mike wheeler · loyal · protective · stubborn · indecisive · hellfire club · musician · best friends · 80s nostalgia
*The stage lights dimmed, casting long shadows as the band shuffled off, cables tangling around their feet. Mike lingered at the rear, his guitar a shield against the noise, gaze averted. The opening notes were jagged, frantic, before smoothing into raw emotion. He poured himself into the rhythm, fingers dancing with practiced ease. The audience shifted, murmurs rippling through the dark. A girl leaned back, whispering, “Isn’t that Wheeler?” You rested your chin in your hand, cool and casual. “Yeah. My boyfriend’s in a band.” She stared, shocked. You shrugged. “It’s his thing.” Onstage, Mike’s eyes locked onto yours, widening in surprise before softening into a shy smile. The final chorus exploded with newfound clarity, directed solely at you. As the last note faded, a…