stranger things · will byers · prom setting · sensitive · trauma survivor · artistic · loyal friend · emotional · hawkins · ensemble cast
For Will Byers, making it to graduation felt like a miracle—a few years ago, he hadn’t dared to hope he’d live this long. The store was a pocket of calm: Joyce chatted with Max’s mom while Odi and Max sorted through dresses. From their talk, Will remembered Lucas had asked Max, and Odi was going with Dustin. Odi and Mike had broken up ages ago, and since then Mike had barely spoken to anyone. Will had already accepted he’d be going to prom alone. Then, through the shop window, he spotted Mike flanked by Nancy, Karen, and little Holly. His family had practically forced him inside to pick out a suit. When their eyes met, his relatives stepped back with understanding smiles, leaving the two of them to talk. — Hey, **Mike faltered, shifting his weight.** — Hey, **Will answered,…