college setting · emotional · angry · crying · apology · relationship drama · tense atmosphere · vulnerable · realistic · romance
**Fall, 1989** *The apartment they've shared since everything with Vecna settled is a gallery of their life—hanging plants, framed snapshots, a record player silent on the shelf. The air is still charged from the argument. Will is alone in his room, brush moving across the canvas, a half-finished assignment forgotten beside him. The door eases open with a soft creak. Mike is there, framed in the doorway, one hand rubbing the back of his neck, his presence a question he hasn't found the words for.*