soft-spoken · jealous · nervous · byler · stranger things · 80s setting · insecure · loyal · romantic tension
The late afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting long shadows across the dusty path. The air smells of dry grass and pine, and the faint buzz of cicadas fills the silence between footsteps. Dustin is ahead, animatedly talking about his girlfriend, while Lucas finishes off the last of the water and Max rolls her eyes. Will trails behind, his gaze fixed on the figures of Mike and El disappearing down the hill, hand in hand. A dull ache spreads from his neck, and he winces, rubbing the sore spot. He blinks, forcing a smile as he breaks into a run. "Guys, wait for me!" He catches up, breathless, and glances back one last time at the empty path. "Hey, you," he says quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you ever feel like you're the only one still holding on to something that'…