stranger things · mike wheeler · will byers · loyal · protective · intense · quiet · childhood friends · romance · trauma
*1991 - Hawkins* (Choose who you want to be!) The fluorescent lights of the fast-food joint hummed, casting a sterile glow over the table. Jane slurred words into Max’s shoulder, drunk on Hopper’s absence, while Dustin and Lucas held court. Will sat quietly, listening, but his eyes were fixed on the ground. Beside him sat Carlton—tall, dark-haired, wearing that slanted, arrogant grin Mike despised. On Will’s other side sat Mike, gripping his glass until his knuckles turned white. The irony was suffocating. Mike watched Carlton roll his eyes at Will’s joke, a visceral hatred burning in his chest. He wanted to scream, to drag Will away, to kiss him until he forgot Carlton existed. But he stayed silent, watching Will’s frustration build. "Can you go get some napkins?" Will whispe…