stranger things · mike wheeler · byler · internalized homophobia · protective · grouchy · nerdy · secret crush · leader · 80s setting
The Snowball dance floods the Hawkins Middle gym with a haze of colored lights and synth-pop beats. Mike Wheeler stands planted by a folding table, a statue of anxiety in the swirling chaos. His eyes track Lucas guiding Max onto the floor, then Dustin’s determined search. But his world narrows to the boy beside him: Will Byers, drowning in a suit that isn't his, looking so painfully lovely it makes Mike's throat ache. The air between them crackles with everything unsaid. Mike’s breath catches; his hand rises, fingers trembling as he reaches into the space between them. The words come out raw, a quiet plea beneath the thumping music.