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It was lunchtime at Hawkin’s High School and the party was having a discussion about their dating lives, specifically first kisses. Will sat next to Mike on the edge of the bench, his back against the wall. He had finished eating lunch before everyone else, so he was sketching a forest scene in his notebook.
After lots of eye rolls at Dustin’s story about Suzie, he turned towards Mike and took a sip of his juice box. “What about you? How did it happen with Eleven?” They had broken up a few weeks ago, so she was still kind of a sore subject. Lucas punched him in the arm lightly and smirked. “Dude! Why would you bring that up?”
Mike stared at Will who looked up from his notebook, offering a sore smile. Dustin was giggling, nudging Lucas back. “Jeez, sorry! I didn’t know it was serious.” “It’s fine, guys, seriously. My first kiss honestly kinda sucked. I felt like El wanted to make a big show of our relationship or something. I was too nervous to even feel anything.”
Dustin laughed and started rambling more about Suzie and their perfect moment. Will noticed that Mike looked awkward and quickly jumped to say something. “Hey, it’s okay! I haven’t even had my first kiss yet. I guess we’re both losers.” Mike started to pack his lunch up and let the corners of his lips turn upward. “Yeah, losers together.”
Lucas just laughed at them and yelled, “LAME! Me and Max have kissed like a thousand times.” Dustin quickly quipped, “That’s not even possible, idiot. Where is Max anyways?" Everyone stood up, grabbing their lunches. “She told me she was skipping today. She’s probably at the skate park or something.” Mike sharply exhaled, “Her grades probably suck! Have fun kissing a future gas station worker!” “I like Max, but I agree. Skipping school to skate is for dirtbags,” Will said.
“Shut up, you’ve never even kissed anyone!” Will’s smile dropped, looking over to Mike, who immediately stood up for him. “Lucas, too harsh. We have to get to class.” He put his arm over Will’s shoulder, and they heard the bell ring. “You guys are such dorks. Me and Lucas are leaving.” Dustin flashed an annoyed look as he and Lucas walked off.
< TIME SKIP >
In sixth period English, Mike and Will’s desks were next to each other. As an A+ student, Will had finished all of his schoolwork last night in bed, and he felt confident about it. Mike still had to finish his essay, but he got bored and started watching his best friend doodle about ten minutes ago. His head was down, pressed against the desk. He looked half asleep, like he was in a trance watching Will draw. He knew Mr. Miller would definitely give him an extension, and practically his whole class was talking, so he wasn’t worried about it.
Will was so loveable, he just wanted to wrap him in his arms and never let go. He probably shouldn’t think that, but who wouldn’t? “Why are you staring at me? Don’t you have an essay to do?” “I like watching you draw, it’s so mesmerizing." Mike was trying to sound deep, but he just looked like a dweeb. Will didn’t care, he thought it was cute. ‘I’m just drawing a forest scene right now, it’s kinda stupid.” He lifted his head up and scooted his desk closer to Will’s.
“I know, I saw at lunch. I don’t think it’s stupid, I wish I could be good at drawing like you.” Will set his pencil down. “I’m not that good, Mike.” “Nonsense! You’re like the Michael Jackson of drawing.” “Thanks, but I don’t really think this is gonna get me my first kiss.” “You’re still thinking about that? Lucas is an idiot.” Will tugged at the sleeve of his denim jacket, probably overthinking. “You’re right, but you have to admit it’s embarrassing. I’m fourteen years old and I haven’t kissed anyone. I feel like everyone has.”
“If you still haven’t kissed anyone on your deathbed, I’ll come kiss you.” Mike took the boy’s notebook and flipped the page, tearing out a little slip of paper. He gestured to Will, silently asking him to hand over his pencil. Will understood. Will always understands. He took the pencil from his hand, shortly writing something down. He then folded the paper, handing it to Will. “Here, good for one free kiss.” He took the paper from his hand, unfolding it and looking back at him.
“Great. Yeah, this definitely makes me feel less pathetic,” He said sarcastically. “Mmm you’re welcome.” He smiled and started to scoot his desk away. Will stuffed the paper into his jacket pocket. “I should probably get some work done.” Will continued smiling, “Yeah, you don’t wanna be like Max!” Mike chuckled. Will was so hopelessly in love with this boy, and he had been for years, maybe even since he met him. Small actions like this made him so giddy, and he hated not having someone to tell.
Mike got to brag about his relationship with El, it wasn’t fair. He had to tell someone, but who? The rest of the party would tell Mike, and he obviously wasn’t ready to come out to his mom. Only someone sufficiently uninterested could be trusted with it, and there was exactly one person: Max Mayfield.
< TIME SKIP >
After school, Will biked down to the skate park, hoping Max would be there. When he saw her sitting on a park bench, he ditched his bike and ran over. “Oh hey Will! What are you doing here?” He sat down next to her, looking a bit troubled. “I- well um- I kinda wanted to tell you something and I guess ask for advice.” “Okay, shoot!” “Well, it’s kinda hard to say.” She smiled, “Jesus, you’re not gonna tell me you’re in love with me or something, right? Because I’m flattered, but I like Lucas and-” Will giggled, and he started to feel a lot calmer. “Gross, no!” “Hey!” Suddenly, telling Max didn’t feel like the most difficult thing imaginable.
“I like boys. Or- I’m in love with Mike and I don’t know what to do about it.” Max grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. He let a tear roll down his face. “Hey, that’s okay. Honestly, I think he likes you too. He’s always so dorky and gentle around you, it’s weird.” She said as she let go. “Thanks, Max.” They sat in silence for a bit, just staring at the people skating. It was weirdly calming. Will put his hand into his pocket, remembering the note. He pulled it out just to look at it, and Max swiftly asked, “What’s that?” “Mike gave it to me earlier. He told me if I still haven’t gotten my first kiss on my deathbed, he’ll come kiss me. I know it’s stupid.”
“Dude, that’s so good. I’m telling you he likes you back. You have to say something.” Max knew that Will wasn’t a confrontational person, but she said this hoping to inspire him. Will stuffed the note back into his pocket remembering Joyce was waiting for him at home. “Alright, I need to get home. My mom is gonna be worried. Are you skipping again tomorrow?” “Nope, I’ll see you then!” Will waved as he stood up to go get his bike. On the ride home, he thought about their conversation. Could it be possible that Mike liked him back? Max seemed to think so.
< TIME SKIP >
Later that night, Will laid in his bed pondering. If he didn’t tell Mike now, he would spend the rest of his life wondering. Sitting up, he gained a sudden burst of confidence. He had to say something. “Mom, I’m going to Mike’s! I’ll be back in a few hours!” He screamed, running down the stairs. He hopped on his bike and rode like the wind. He threw his mode of transportation down in the Wheeler’s yard, pacing up the stairs to knock on the door. Karen opened it with a questioning look on her face. “Will! I didn’t know you were coming over, come in!” “Thanks, Mrs Wheeler! Will said, smiling. He scurried up to Mike’s room with his hand in his pocket, holding the note.
When he walked into the room, Mike was reading a comic book that Will got him for Christmas. “Oh hi Will! What are you doing here?” A nervous look sprouted onto Will’s face. “I- um-” Mike set the book down, getting up to meet Will in his doorway. “What’s going on?” He slowly took the note out of his pocket, handing it to Mike. The boy unfolded it, reading the words: “One free kiss.” Will shrugged with a desperate look in his eyes.
Mike’s hands drifted to Will’s cheeks, and he closed his eyes leaning in. Holy shit, Will Byers was kissing Mike Wheeler. Will realized he was just standing there with his eyes open, so he put his hands onto Mike’s waist and closed his eyes, stepping closer if that was even possible. Mike knew that this was his first kiss, so he tried to take it slow. He kissed him gently but passionately, making him feel electric. Will kissed him back to the best of his ability, and Mike loved it. He didn’t care that he had no experience. It was Will, and that was everything. Will was everything.
Will broke the kiss to take a breath. “Sorry, was that okay?” “Will, that was more than okay. That was like- the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Besides becoming friends with you, obviously.” He awkwardly tugged at his sleeve. Mike brought him into another kiss, gently sliding his tongue into his mouth. Will bit at it, which made him groan into the kiss. He seemed so experienced. While kissing him, he guided him towards his bed. Once again, Will pulled away. The kiss had given him more confidence than usual, so he felt comfortable saying the words he’s been holding back for years. “I love you.” Mike grinned, planting a kiss on his forehead. “I love you too! I have for like- ever.” he practically shouted. Will felt complete for the first time in a while, excited to tell everyone that he was no longer a kissing-virgin. “Hey, you finally had your first kiss! How was it?” he giggled, ruffling the boy’s hair. “It was perfect. You were perfect.”