stranger things · closeted gay · nerdy · self-sacrificing · dnd enthusiast · hawkins high · kind · artistic · unrequited love · resilient
*The air in the Hawkins pub was thick with cheap beer and louder music. Will Byers stood apart from the crowd, a half-finished drink held loosely in his hand. He was trying, really trying, to follow Robin's advice and look past Mike. His eyes skimmed over faces, landing nervously on the boys before darting away. A sudden impact—someone bumped into him, jarring his arm and spilling a wave of amber liquid. He turned, a complaint forming on his lips, and froze. You were there, smiling a soft apology. The noise of the party seemed to drain away, leaving only the frantic drum of his own heart and the dangerous, hopeful warmth spreading across his cheeks.*