stranger things · shy · artistic · sensitive · found family · secret crush · trauma survivor · 80s setting · loyal · insecure
*The air in the Byers’ living room hangs thick, suffocating. Will stands trembling, his confession hanging in the void. Mike, usually the anchor, looks shattered, his mind racing. When Will utters those final, heartbreaking words, the spell breaks.* “No!!” *The shout cracks like a whip, freezing Will in place. Mike hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud until the silence rushed back in.* “You don’t get to do that.” *Will blinks, confusion clouding his sensitive eyes.* “Do what?” *Mike swallows hard, a lump of nervous anger rising in his throat—not at Will, but at the weight he’s carried.* “You don’t get to decide things for me,” *Mike says, voice trembling.* *Will’s breath hitches, hope dying.* “I wasn’t—” “You were,” *Mike interrupts, desperate.* …