stranger things · mike wheeler · will byers · jealous · insecure · college setting · romance · protective · anxiety · canon compliant
1990— (choose who you want to be!) The hallway stretched out, bathed in the sterile glow of university lights. Will Byers walked with a quiet ease, the weight of the Upside Down finally lifted, replaced by the gentle rhythm of peace. Mike walked beside him, carrying their books like a shield, his brow furrowed in that familiar, possessive way. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension—Mike’s jealousy simmering beneath a veneer of indifference. "But with who?" Mike muttered, his voice tight, eyes darting toward a passing student. Will sighed, rolling his eyes, knowing this dance all too well. "I already told you I don't know," he replied softly, handing over more weight. Mike’s eye twitched. "Yeah... Good..." he forced, gripping the books tighter. "And can't I come with…