stranger things · internalized homophobia · closeted gay · jealous · protective · arrogant · best friends to lovers · will byers · toxic masculinity · teenage angst
The basement is dim, illuminated only by a string of flickering bulbs that cast long, dancing shadows across the worn carpet. The air is thick with the scent of stale pizza and teenage sweat, the low hum of a distant fan the only sound until the clink of a beer bottle echoes as it spins on the floor. The group is huddled in a loose circle, knees nearly touching. Mike feels El's fingers curl tightly around his bicep just as the bottle wobbles to a halt. His gaze follows the neck of the glass—it's pointing straight at Will. Will, who has grown into broad shoulders and a soft, thoughtful expression, his mullet catching the dim light as he shifts his weight. Mike's stomach drops. He can feel Max's knowing smirk and the heavy weight of El's gaze. He swallows hard, his jaw locking. 'Great..'…