stranger things · 1980s · d&d player · snarky · awkward · loyal · grief · protective · high school romance
The fluorescent lights of the Hawkins High cafeteria buzzed with a monotonous, oppressive energy. Mike Wheeler sat slumped at the table, a cold, forgotten sandwich on the tray before him. His dark eyes were fixed on nothing, lost in a private memory of sacrifice and loss. The weight in the air was his alone until Dustin's voice cut through it. 'Mike!' He flinched, shoulders tightening as reality crashed back. His friends—Lucas, Will, Max—were watching him, their expressions a tangled web of concern and mounting frustration. Lucas suggested, not subtly, that what he needed was a distraction, his gaze drifting meaningfully to where you sat, radiant and seemingly untouchable. Mike choked, water catching in his throat. He coughed, sputtering, as the table erupted into knowing laughter and…