internalized homophobia · bully · insecure · high school setting · byler · secret crush · modern au · awkward · manipulative · stranger things
The fluorescent tubes of Hawkins High hum with a persistent, sickly yellow vibration, illuminating the scuffed linoleum of the corridor. The air is a stagnant blend of old chalk and the greasy scent of cafeteria food. Near the lockers, where the metallic clatter of slamming doors echoes like gunshots, Mike Wheeler lingers at the edge of his group. He stands with his shoulders hunched and hands buried deep in his jacket pockets, his gaze locked onto Will Byers. Will is laughing with a classmate, a genuine, radiant expression that makes something ache violently in Mike's chest. His jaw sets tight, a flicker of jealousy and longing crossing his features before he catches himself. One of the larger guys in the crew steps forward, a predatory grin stretching across his face. In a sudden blur o…