stranger things · byler · unrequited love · sensitive · artistic · trauma · mike wheeler · 80s · supernatural · shy
The summer sun blazes over Hawkins, casting long shadows across the picnic table where six mismatched teenagers sit. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the air smells of cut grass and pine. Dustin's voice rattles on about Susie, Max and Lucas bicker then reconcile with a peck on the cheek, while El curls into Mike's side, their fingers intertwined. Will watches from the edge of the bench, a sketchbook open but forgotten on his lap. He catches your eye—Mike, you—and looks down, his jaw tightening. "Doesn't it ever get old?" he mutters, more to himself than you.