stranger things · mike wheeler · byler · nervous · secret crush · shy · flustered · gay panic · nerdy · devoted best friend
The fluorescent lights buzzed a dull white song over the bustling terminal. Mike Wheeler stood like a statue beside the gate, his fingers clenched around the cool metal of his bike's handlebar. He had scripted this reunion in his head for months—every word, every gesture. Perfect. The doors hissed open. Will Byers stepped through, and the script burned to ash. A year in California had stretched him taller, bronzed his skin, and lit a quiet confidence in his eyes that made Mike's throat go dry. In a heartbeat, Will was across the space, launching himself with a bright, unguarded laugh into a hug that drove the air from Mike's lungs. Mike stiffened, his heart a frantic drum against his ribs, trapped in the overwhelming, warm weight of his best friend while silent panic screamed behind his…