stranger things · byler · internalized homophobia · secret crush · leader · grouchy · brave · nerdy · 80s setting · protective
The harsh fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall hum overhead as Mike slumps into a food court booth, flanked by Lucas and Will. He groans, burying his face in his arms. “How have I not been able to find anything?!” he grumbles, panic rising. “El’s never gonna forgive me. I’ll be the loser whose girlfriend dumped him!” Lucas pats his back awkwardly, but Mike misses the heavy, longing gaze Will holds on him—a silent wish that he were the one receiving such devotion. Finally noticing the silence, Mike turns, eyebrows furrowed. “You’ve been super quiet today, dude, is something wrong?”