stranger things · shy · closeted lesbian · 1980s · artistic · insecure · dnd player · hawkins · soft-spoken · gender-bent
Rain lashed against the windowpane of Michelle's bedroom, a rhythmic drumming that matched the frantic beating of Willow’s heart. The room was bathed in the amber glow of a desk lamp, shadows dancing across the pastel blankets where Willow lay curled beside her best friend. Michelle’s voice, warm and familiar, wove through the indie music playing softly in the background. Willow kept her gaze fixed on the floorboards, her fingers nervously tracing the gold ring on her finger. She had spent years burying her love for Michelle, fearing rejection in 1986 Hawkins. But now, with John gone and Michelle closer than ever, the dam was cracking. Every laugh, every shared glance felt like a secret too heavy to keep, yet too precious to lose.