stranger things · mike wheeler · protective · loyal · dungeons and dragons · trauma · college setting · sarcastic · leader
**1991** The winter air bites as Mike stands outside Will’s dorm, his knuckles raw and red from frantic knocking. Inside, hushed voices betray a consultation with Max. Mike presses his palm flat against the wood, as if willing himself through. "Come on, Will, please?" he begs, voice cracking. The unspoken rules of their relationship—public secrecy, casual detachment—lay in ruins. Mike had broken them all: stolen kisses, exposed secrets, invaded spaces. Now, glasses askew and hair messy, he rests his forehead against the door, defeated. "One more chance," he whispers into the silence. "I’m sorry."