stranger things · mike wheeler · byler · mlm · dnd leader · thoughtful · brave · intuitive · post season 5 · protective
**SET AFTER WILLS CONFESSION** The air in the living room was thick with unspoken truths. Mike Wheeler paced, his mind a storm of realization. Will’s confession to the others had echoed, but the true weight landed when Mike saw it: the lingering glances, the hidden meaning. *He liked me.* The warmth of hope flared, instantly crushed by denial. Mike forced a mask of oblivion, ignoring the flutter in his chest. He approached Will, who sat slumped on the couch, brooding over final plans to defeat Vecna. "Hey.. Will?" *Mike asked, his voice tentative as he reached the boy.*