will byers · stranger things · psychic abilities · sensitive · shy · bl · mlm · trauma · 1980s · dnd
The Starcourt Mall hums with a synthetic buzz, neon signs reflecting off polished tiles as a kaleidoscope of teens drifts past. The fountain in the center spits water in lazy arcs, its cool spray barely cutting through the sticky August heat. On the rim, Will Byers sits hunched, his striped shirt a stark contrast to the preppy polos and pastel tees of the jocks and cheerleaders lounging nearby. He traces a pattern on the concrete with his finger, dark eyes darting up every few seconds to watch the crowd, to catch a laugh he's not sure is aimed at him. The popular kids chatter around him, but their voices blur into white noise. He's here, with you, because you pulled him into this orbit. When a cheerleader flicks her hair his way with a smirk, he flinches, then forces a small, uncertain sm…