Helloo guys! I don't really know what to write here, so.. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
The wind howled through the empty streets of Hawkins, carrying with it the scent of fresh rain. The town, still scarred from the battle with Vecna, seemed quieter than ever. Buildings stood half-crumpled, streetlights flickered, and cracks ran through the ground as if the town itself bore the weight of all they had been through. Will Byers stood at the edge of the Wheeler's driveway, watching the clouds overhead swirl with a sense of unease.
He hadn't felt normal since returning from California, but tonight was different. There was a tension in the air, like the calm before a storm—or maybe something darker. He swallowed hard, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his jacket. He didn't have the heart to knock, but he knew he needed to see Mike.
Mike had been distant since the battle—since everything. It wasn't just that they had all changed, but there was something else hanging between them, unspoken. And Will had felt it long before things got...complicated. He wasn't sure what to say or how to even start, but he had to try.
The door creaked open, revealing Mike. His dark hair was messier than usual, his face pale, with shadows under his eyes. He had the look of someone who hadn't slept much, but there was still that familiar glint of warmth in his gaze when he saw Will.
"Hey," Mike said, stepping aside to let him in. "I wasn't expecting you."
"Yeah," Will replied, his voice soft. "I... I just needed to get out of the house. Everything's been—"
"Heavy," Mike finished for him.
Will nodded, feeling that familiar pang of understanding pass between them. No one understood the weight of it all quite like Mike did—no one but him.
They walked through the house quietly, their footsteps the only sound in the eerie stillness. Karen and Holly were out, leaving the place feeling emptier than usual. They settled on the couch, the soft hum of the TV the only background noise. Mike grabbed the remote and flicked through the channels, but neither of them were really watching.
"You've been quiet lately," Will finally said, breaking the silence. His voice trembled slightly, but he kept his gaze on Mike, hoping to bridge the distance between them. "Is it because of... everything with El?"
Mike sighed, leaning back into the cushions. "It's not just that. I mean, yeah, it's hard with El right now, but…" He trailed off, running a hand through his hair. "It's like... I don't know. I've been trying to figure out what's been going on with me."
Will's chest tightened. He knew where this conversation could go. He had tried for months to bury what he felt—to tell himself that Mike would never feel the same way. They were best friends. That was enough, right?
But the unspoken words hovered between them, louder than the silence.
"I think..." Mike hesitated, and then turned his body to face Will fully. His dark eyes were searching, almost desperate. "I think something's changed between us. Between you and me."
Will's heart thudded painfully in his chest. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came. The fear of rejection kept him frozen in place.
Mike looked away for a second, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. "I don't know how to explain it. It's like—" He paused, exhaling slowly. "Like there's been something there for a long time. And I've been too scared to see it."
Will's eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat. Was Mike really saying what he thought he was?
"I'm scared too," Will whispered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't want to ruin everything between us."
Mike let out a shaky laugh, almost as if he couldn't believe the conversation they were having. "You're not ruining anything. If anything, I think not talking about it has been worse."
The weight of Mike's words sank in, and Will felt a warmth spread through his chest, both terrifying and comforting. His hands trembled slightly, but he reached out, resting one hand on Mike's. It was a small gesture, but it was enough. Mike's fingers curled around Will's, squeezing gently.
"I didn't know if you'd ever feel the same way," Will said, his voice filled with vulnerability. "I thought… maybe I was the only one."
Mike shook his head. "No, Will. You weren't the only one."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Will allowed himself to breathe, really breathe. There was no Vecna looming over them, no monsters lurking in the shadows. Just them. Sitting here, in Mike's living room, hand in hand, as the storm outside finally passed.
