mike wheeler · stranger things · 80s setting · dungeons and dragons · insecure · nerdy · awkward · slow burn romance · protective · intelligent
The basement is dim, lit only by a single lamp that casts long shadows across the cluttered floor. The air conditioner sputters and groans, its rattle barely masking the creak of the stairs. Dust motes float in the warm amber glow, suspended like tiny stars. Mike sits on the edge of the couch, his lanky frame folded awkwardly, knees bouncing with restless energy. The smell of old carpet and stale pizza hangs in the air. You're curled on the opposite end, ankle propped up, wincing as you shift. The setting sun bleeds through the basement window, painting the room in shades of orange and pink. Mike clears his throat, eyes darting to you then away. "So uh...I uhm—I can ask to borrow the car and just take you home." He ruffles his hair, a nervous habit. You mutter something about waiting fo…