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The sun hung low over Hawkins High, casting a golden haze across the football field where rows of folding chairs stood empty now, littered with confetti and discarded programs. The class of ’89 had just graduated caps tossed skyward in a chaotic flurry, cheers echoing like thunder. Dustin Henderson fiddled with the tassel on his cap, his valedictorian speech still buzzing in his ears. Beside him, Lucas Sinclair punched his arm playfully, Mike Wheeler scowled at the crowd, and Will Byers scanned the faces with a quiet smile, the weight of the Upside Down finally feeling like a distant memory.
That’s when Stacey voice dragged their attention “Hey!”.
Dustin’s breath caught his crush since middle school, the girl who’d always been just out of reach.
“Hey, Stacey.” Dustin said.
“I just wanted to say that what you did up there was pretty badass.”
“Ah, thanks. I was kind of just going for a bit of a Belushi thing. But if he was in like a Hughes film. But I don’t know. Does that make sense?” Dustin asks nervous, completely aware that he might have talked too much.
“Yeah. No, totally.” Stacey said with a smile trying to play cool, then she continued, “So I’m having a party later tonight. You guys should come.” She then waved a good bye and walked away with her friends.
The guys were out of words. Will was the one who talked first a little laugh slipping out. “What?”
“Did that just happened?” Dustin asked completely caught off guard.
Will looked at Lucas, “Should we go?”
“Is that rhetorical?” He responded while smirking excitedly.
“No, screw that, I got a better idea.” Mike added but then Dustin hit him in the arm. “Mike are you crazy?! Stacey just invited us to a party!”
Mike rolled his eyes, voice low and irritable. “Guys, come on. A party? With those people? We don’t fit in there. It’ll be awkward as hell.”
Dustin hit him again. “Dude, don’t take this from me, lighten up, it’s graduation. Live a little.”
Before Mike could retort, a voice called out: “Guys!”
Max jogged over, she was looking effortlessly pretty in her orange graduation robe. Flanking her were two figures that made the group tense up, Andy and Chance, the basketball jocks who’d spent last year making their lives miserable with taunts and shoves in the hallways.
Dustin’s smile faded. Lucas crossed his arms. Mike muttered, “Great.”
Max slid her arm through Lucas’s, interlocking fingers with a smirk. “Chill, guys. These two cornered me after the ceremony. Said they had something to say to you, especially to Dustin.”
Andy shifted on his feet, staring at the ground, his broad shoulders hunched. Chance, taller with dark hair and a jaw that could cut glass, elbowed him. “Come on, man.”
Andy stuttered, “Uh… well… Chance and I we… well, you know, your-“
Chance sighed and then said, “What Andy is trying to say here is that your speech was incredible man.”
“Yeah, that. It was… really… amm… cool. Like, inspiring or whatever.” Andy finally managed to say.
The group stared, stunned into silence. Dustin blinked, then broke into a genuine grin. “Thanks. I mean, it means a lot, specially coming from you two.”
Andy rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah. And we… uh…”
Chance grabbed the temple of his nose, he was completely over Andy stuttering, he rolled his eyes. “We owe you an apology man. To all of you actually. We were total dicks. Pushing you around, the name-calling… We are not proud of it. And we are really sorry, specially to you Henderson, we have you a lot of crap.” His tone was earnest, no trace of the cocky sneer they’d known.
Lucas raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Just like that? Why now?”
Chance shrugged, glancing at Andy. “Graduation makes you think, you know? We’re all heading out of this town next fall and there’s no point carrying that crap between us. It’s like Henderson said in his speech.”
Dustin’s smile widened at hearing that. “No hard feelings.” He stuck out his hand. Chance shook it firmly while smiling, then Andy did the same, his grip a bit too tight from nerves.
Andy cleared his throat. “So, you guys hitting Stacey’s party later tonight?”
Mike opened his mouth, “We-“
“Hell yes!” Dustin and Lucas interrupted in unison.
Chance and Andy nodded, waving as they turned. But Chance paused, his eyes locking on Will for a beat longer than necessary. “Hope to see you there, Byers.”
The group exchanged baffled glances as the jocks walked off. Max burst out laughing first. “Did that just happen? Apology from them?”
Lucas shook his head, grinning. “First Stacey inviting us to her party and now this? Weirdest day ever.”
Dustin whooped. “Not complaining here dude. Party and redemption? Best graduation gift.”
Mike grumbled, “Still think it’s a bad idea.”
Max punched his arm lightly. “Your mood is horrible today Wheeler. Snap out of it.”
Will chuckled along, but his gaze drifted back to Chance, who was now posing for photos with what looked like his family; a man clapping his back, probably his dad, and a woman beaming, definitely his mom, what surprised him was the little girl jumping excitedly, he didn’t know Chance had a little sister.
For a split second, Chance glanced over, as if sensing the stare. Their eyes met. Will felt a shiver, heat creeping up his neck. Chance smiled, a small, knowing one and waved subtly.
Lucas nudged Will bringing him back to his senses. “You in for the party, man?”
Will tore his gaze away, nodding quickly. “Yeah, yeah, definitely.”
—
Stacey’s house was a sprawling McMansion on the edge of town, lights pulsing from every window as dusk fell. Music thumped like a heartbeat, Madonna blasting through speakers. The front door swung open to Stacey’s squeal. “You guys made it! Come in, come in!”
Her eyes zeroed in on Dustin. “Dustin! Get in here, we’re dancing.” She grabbed his arm, tugging him toward the living room packed with writhing bodies.
Dustin laughed, exhilarated. “Yes ma’am!”
The others cheered him on as he vanished into the crowd.
The house was chaos; living room a sea of dancers under strobe lights, laughter and shouts mingling with the bass. In the backyard, the pool shimmered, people cannonballing in, colorful beach balls bouncing, couples making out in shadowy corners, the faint scent of smoke from joints wafting in.
Lucas turned to Max, heart pounding. “Wanna… dance?”
She grinned wickedly, grabbing his hand instead. “Thought you’d never ask.” She pulled him into the fray, leaving Will and Mike by the snack table.
Will shifted awkwardly, “Do you want to get drinks or we can go outside?”
“Yeah, whatever.” Mike responded in a monotone tone while walking away towards the kitchen, Will followed him a little bit bumped down by Mike’s attitude.
At the kitchen Will spotted a tray of chocolate covered strawberries, he offered one to Mike who shook his head like Will just had offended him or something, but then as Will was about to bite on it Mike immediately launched into complaints. “This is ridiculous. We don’t know half these people. What’s the point? Sweaty dancing and small talk?”
Will sighed a little bit annoyed by Mikes immaturity and popped the strawberry in his mouth, the sweetness bursting. “Mike, come on. We graduated today, we could join them and dance or even swim. It’s just for tonight.”
“Pointless,” Mike huffed, crossing his arms. “I’d rather be home playing d&d with the party than being here, I had this cool campaign all planned, it’s got this epic twist with a mage and-”
Will tried to pretend he was actually listening to what Mike was saying by nodding along, but his eyes were wandering around the place in curiosity, like trying to memorize everything.
Dustin and Stacey were jumping wildly, her hands on his shoulders. Lucas and Max swayed close too, laughing in excitement. The room pulsed with joy, he also wanted that.
Suddenly Will’s gaze snagged on a corner of the room, he spotted Chance, leaning against the wall, dark hair tousled from the heat, chatting with a few guys. He wore a fitted red tee that hugged his athletic frame, red cup in hand.
Chance noticed him almost immediately. That same slow smile from hours earlier. He took a sip, eyes never leaving Will’s, this made Will stomach flipped.
He saw how Chance leaned to one of his friends and whispered something. The dude glanced over at where Will was standing, a mischievous grin spreading. He nodded and peeled away.
Will raised an eyebrow, curious and a bit uneasy. Chance then smirked and winked.
Will choked on his next strawberry, coughing hard.
Mike paused mid-rant. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” Will wheezed, “just… went down wrong.”
He scanned for Chance again but he was gone. Until…
The guy he saw before with Chance “tripped” nearby, dumping his entire cup down Mike’s shirt.
“Oh crap! Sorry, dude!” He exclaimed, hands up. “Total accident.”
Mike’s face twisted in fury, but he bit it back. “It’s… fine. Whatever.”
Will grabbed napkins. “Shit- maybe you can wash it or-”
“I’ll help you clean it up Wheeler, follow me.” He steered Mike away before protests could form.
“Wait!” Will called.
“I’ll be back!” Mike yelled over his shoulder, vanishing.
Will was left by himself in the kitchen, dirty napkins in his hand, he crumbled the napkins and threw them into the counter a little frustrated cause he didn’t know what to do now, he thought about following them and help but then a voice, smooth and teasing called him from behind, “Thought he’d never leave.”
Will whirled. Chance stood there, two red cups extended, a crooked smile on his face.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” Will said a little caught off guard by the presence of the jock, but still taking one of the cups hesitantly. His heart hammered. What was this? Last year, Chance had been part of the crew that shoved his friends into lockers, called them names and now this?
“Wheeler will be fine,” Chance said, sipping his own drink. “just a stain. Alex will help him sort it.” He leaned against the table, eyes twinkling. “Seemed like he was talking a lot, though. You looked bored out of your mind.”
Will chuckle despite himself, but tension coiled in his gut. “Mike can be… intense sometimes. He didn’t want to come. That’s why the rambling.” He paused sipping from his drink, his eyes studying Chance. “Did you and Alex planned that?”
Chance laughed and shrugged, but his cheeks tinted pink. “Guilty. Seemed like you needed saving. And… I wanted to talk to you.”
A tension formed between them, Chance glanced away, then back. “Look, about earlier, the apology. I meant it. To everyone, to Dustin and also you.”
Will’s brow furrowed. “Me?”
Chance hesitated, rubbing his neck, a nervous tic Will hadn’t expected from the confident jock. “I was an asshole. Picked on you and your friends, gave you all a bunch of crap. I don’t know, maybe it’s easier to blame others than yourself.”
Will narrow his brows confused. “What you mean?”
“Before the earthquake there were unsolved murders here, one of them was my best friend, you didn’t know him, his name was Patrick, he… well he told me about this nightmares he was having and I just ignored them, made fun of him, next day I woke up to the news he passed. It was easier to blame the Hellfire club for what happened to him than me, I could’ve done something but-“
It was clearer now, why Chance and the rest of the jocks acted that way, Will at the beginning didnt understand why they would pick on Dustin and the others for just playing D&D, but he had spent a lot of time in that bubble with his friends and the mystery of the upside down that they forget that the people around them didn’t have a clue of what was going on.
“It wasn’t your fault or Hellfire, but I kinda understand what you mean by blaming others. I’m very sorry to what happened to Patrick.”
Chance let out a heavy sigh and nodded, “Thanks, really, it’s weird you know, you’re the first person I tell this, I- seriously, thank you.”
Will sipped his drink, the punch sweet and strong. “Anytime and… well, apology accepted.” Tension hummed between them, Will’s wariness clashing with an inexplicable pull. Chance’s eyes were intense, searching.
“I- wow, I killed the mood so fast.” Chance’s voice softened letting out a light awkward chuckle. “So… college? Are you going or taking a year off?”
“College, definitely. I’m going to SFSU in the fall, you?”
Chance’s eyes lit up. “No way! UCSF for me. Pre-med track.”
“What!? Seriously?” Will’s caution cracked a bit. “That’s so cool. We could hang out there.” His eyes widened at what he just said. Did he really just said he wanted to hang out with him out loud?
Chance grinned, stepping closer. “Yeah! We definitely should.” His gaze lingered, making Will’s skin prickle.
—
Small talk began to turn into a full conversation about their hobbies and favorite films, Will couldn’t believe that he would’ve have some things in common with a jock.
The drinks flowed, loosening the tension between them, making Will feel comfortable around Chance. Then “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” kicked in, the guitars wailing.
“Love this song,” Chance said, bobbing his head.
Will chuckled. “Kiss? Really? Didn’t peg you for glam rock.”
Chance smirked, eyes narrowing playfully. “Lot you don’t know about me, Byers. Never judge a book by its cover, it might surprise you.”
“Is that so?” Will teased back, but his voice wavered.
“Hundred percent! And I don’t know about you but kinda want to dance right now, wanna join me?” Will laughed not taking him seriously.
“Are you serious?”
“Do I look like I’m joking Byers? Come on!”
Will froze, heart racing when he saw Chance hand in front of him, inviting him to follow him into the dance floor. “I… I’m not great at dancing. And… I don’t- what if people might think it’s weird?”
Chance glanced at the living room, guys dancing with guys, girls dancing with girls, no one batting an eye. “No one cares here. Look at them, come on.” He smiled and shook his hand waiting for Will to hold it.
At first Will hesitated, but then he saw everyone on the dance floor having fun.
“Screw it, let’s do this Romanillos.” Will said before downed his drink, nerves completely out of his system. “That’s the spirit!”
They plunged into the thick of the crowd, the living room a wild storm of flashing lights, sweating bodies, and pounding bass. The opening riff of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” exploded through the speakers, and the whole room erupted, everyone jumping, screaming the lyrics, pure chaos.
Chance turned to Will with a wicked, lopsided grin, grabbing both of Will’s hands and tugging him deeper into the madness. “Come on, Byers show me what you’ve got!”
Will’s eyes went wide, heart slamming. “I- I don’t know what I’m doing! I’m gonna look like an idiot!”
Chance laughed, loud and bright, already bouncing to the beat. “That’s the point! Nobody cares! look around!” He nodded at the sea of people flailing gloriously. “Just jump. Follow me.”
Will hesitated for half a second, then gave in starting with awkward little hops, arms stiff at his sides. Chance shook his head, still grinning, and grabbed Will’s wrists, lifting his arms up.
“Loosen up! Like this!” Chance started jumping higher, knees up, head thrown back, totally shameless. Will couldn’t help laughing at the sight and mirrored his jumps getting bigger, arms pumping.
“There you go!” Chance shouted over the music. “Knew you had it in you!”
The vocals kicked in, and Chance leaned in close, eyes sparkling with mischief, singing the first line right at Will, pointing dramatically, “I was made for lovin’ you, baby…”
Will’s face went scarlet, but the grin that split his face was unstoppable. He pointed back, shouting the response, “You were made for lovin’ me!”
Chance’s laugh was delighted, he spun Will around once, catching him when he stumbled, hands landing on Will’s hips for a quick, steadying second. “See? Natural!”
The chorus hit and the crowd surged. Chance pulled Will closer, near enough to feel the heat, both of them jumping in sync as they screamed the lyrics at each other.
“I was made for lovin’ you, baby!” Chance belted, eyes locked on Will’s, playful and flirtatious, eyebrows waggling on the “you.”
Will shoved his shoulder lightly, laughing. “You’re ridiculous!” But still he sang right back, louder this time, “You were made for lovin’ me!”
Chance threw his head back again, shouting the “do-do-do-do” part in Will’s face, ridiculously dramatic. Will joined in, off-key and breathless, hands up like he was in a roller coaster. They were both cracking up now, bumping shoulders with strangers, getting swept into the chaos.
During the guitar solo Chance grabbed Will’s hand, raising it high and spinning him again, this time Will went with it, coming out of the spin dizzy and giggling. Chance caught him by the waist, steadying him, voice low and teasing in his ear, “You’re a liar! you dance like you were born for this!”
Will’s stomach flipped at the closeness, the warm breath on his ear. He pushed Chance’s chest playfully. “Shut up! I’m just copying you!”
“Good,” Chance shot back, grin flashing. “Copy me all you want.”
They jumped higher for the final chorus, singing every word at each other, flirtatious, challenging, fun. Chance on the main line, Will on the echo, both pointing, winking, laughing like idiots. Sweat made their shirts cling, hair stuck to foreheads, but neither cared.
As the song crashed to its end and the crowd roared, Chance was breathing hard, cheeks flushed, eyes bright. He leaned in again, voice husky from shouting, lips close to Will’s ear.
“You’re way too much fun, Byers.” A beat, then softer, almost shy under the flirt, “Wanna get outta this madness for a minute? Find somewhere to chill and… catch our breath?”
Will’s pulse was already thundering from the dancing, from the singing, from the way Chance was looking at him like he was the only person in the room. He nodded, breathless.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
Chance’s answering smile was slow and warm. He hold his hand casual, but deliberate and started weaving them through the crowd toward a hallway, the noise fading step by step behind them.
—
Chance led Will down the dimly lit hallway, the thump of the music growing muffled behind them. He stopped at the door with the handwritten “OUT OF LIMITS” sign, glanced both ways like he was pulling off a minor heist, and pushed it open.
The guest room was quiet, softly lit by a single lamp on the nightstand. A neatly made bed, some generic landscape paintings on the walls, the faint smell of fresh laundry. Chance closed the door behind them with a gentle click.
He flopped backward onto the bed, stretching out fully, hands tucked behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. A long, contented sigh escaped him. “Man… tonight’s going great,” he said, voice low, almost to himself.
Will leaned his back against the opposite wall, arms loosely crossed, watching him with a small, disbelieving smile. A quiet laugh slipped out.
Chance tilted his head, curious. He sat up on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees. “What’s so funny, Byers?”
Will shook his head, still smiling. “I just… I can’t believe this is happening. My first real party, like ever and I actually danced, drank punch that was definitely spiked and now…” He gestured vaguely between them. “…I’m in a room alone with a freaking jock. It’s insane.”
Chance’s laugh was warm, surprised. He stood up slowly and started walking toward Will, hands in his pockets, trying to play it casual even though his heart was hammering. “You regretting it?”
Will shook his head immediately, eyes bright. “Not even a little.”
Chance stopped a couple of feet away, fighting a grin. “So…”
Will raised an eyebrow, mirroring the tone. “So…?”
Chance bit his lip, clearly holding back laughter. “It’s really your first party? Like… ever?”
Will groaned, rolling his eyes. “Don’t laugh! Come on.”
“I’m not laughing,” Chance said, totally laughing. “That’s actually kinda adorable.” He took another small step closer.
“Look, if you’re new to this whole thing… maybe we can fix that in San Francisco, I bet there’s gonna be a lot of parties or whatever. We could… well, you know, go together. Or, maybe we can hang out this summer, I mean- well If you don’t already have plans.” He shrugged, suddenly a little shy.
“What you have in mind?” Will asked tilting his head teasing him since he noticed Chance was getting nervous.
Chance laughed awkwardly, “Maybe we can go swimming at the quarry, get some late-night shakes at the diner but only if you want of course.”
Will’s smile grew, soft and excited. “I’d love that.”
Chance’s answering grin was huge, relieved. “Fantastic! It’s a date.”
The word hung in the air. Will’s smile faltered, eyes widening in shock.
Chance noticed instantly. His own expression shifted, his face went pale, confidence evaporated. He took a quick step back. “Shit! I- ammm… sorry. I didn’t mean, look if it’s awkward for you I… is just that- fuck, maybe I read this wrong-” He stumbled over the words, rubbing the back of his neck. “Forget I said anything, okay? We should probably just head back to the party and-”
He turned toward the door.
“Wait.” Will’s hand shot out, fingers closing gently around Chance’s wrist.
Chance froze, looking back.
Will swallowed, voice quieter now, nervous. “It’s… it’s okay. I… I want it to be a date.” The words came out stuttered, but earnest. “I just… well, I didn’t expect you to say it.”
Chance turned fully, cautious hope flickering in his eyes. He stepped closer again, slowly. Their breathing was the loudest thing in the room.
“I got scared for a second there,” Chance admitted softly.
Will shook his head, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips. “It’s okay. Really.”
Their eyes locked. Chance glanced down at Will’s hand still on his wrist, then carefully interlaced their fingers. Will’s gaze traced Chance’s face like he was memorizing every detail, the sharp jaw, the dark lashes, the faint freckles across his nose.
Chance’s voice dropped to almost a whisper. “Is it okay if I… kiss you?”
Will nodded slowly, barely breathing.
Chance leaned in. His lips met Will’s.
The kiss was gentle at first, slow, intimate, electric. A soft brush that deepened carefully, like neither wanted to rush the moment.
Will’s free hand came up to rest against Chance’s chest; Chance’s thumb stroked over Will’s knuckles.
They parted just enough to breathe, foreheads still touching.
“So,” Chance murmured, a little breathless, “you like guys?”
Will nodded, cheeks warm. “Yeah.”
“That’s cool,” Chance said, smiling against Will’s lips before kissing him again, sweeter this time, lingering.
Will pulled back slightly, panting softly. “And… you?”
Chance exhaled a small laugh. “It’s… complicated. Sometimes guys. Sometimes girls.” He searched Will’s face, suddenly worried. “I know that it’s a little weird, I’m sorry if-”
“It’s not weird,” Will cut in gently, squeezing their joined hands. “I get it. It’s cool.”
Relief washed over Chance’s features. They both laughed quietly, tension melting away, and leaned in for another kiss lighter, happier.
Chance broke it with a grin. “Random question, you like Indiana Jones?”
Will blinked, caught off guard. “Uh… yeah? Why?”
“Cause the new one just came out, The Last Crusade. Thought maybe we could go see it. Together.”
Will’s eyes lit up. He surged forward, kissing Chance excitedly.
Chance laughed into it, pulling back just enough to tease, “Is that a yes?”
Will rolled his eyes, grinning. “Of course it’s a yes, you dork. You get the tickets, I’ll buy the popcorn.”
“It’s a deal, Byers.”
Chance kissed him again, deeper this time, both of them smiling.
“I’ll pick you up at 3 tomorrow is that okay?”
“More than okay.” Will smiled and kissed him again.
Both laughing softly against each other’s mouths as the kiss melted into something warm and unhurried, hands roaming gently, the rest of the party forgotten for a little while longer.
—
Lucas and Max had been circling the party for what felt like forever, weaving through sweaty dancers and dodging spilled drinks.
“Where the hell is Will?” Lucas muttered, craning his neck over the crowd. “He’s not on the dance floor, not by the pool, not even hiding in the kitchen with the snacks.”
Max squinted toward the backyard. “He wouldn’t have left without saying anything. And Mike’s still sulking on the couch with his ruined shirt, so it’s not like they’re together.”
Dustin was dominating a beer-pong table near the sliding doors, Stacey cheering him on. Lucas tapped his shoulder mid-throw. “You seen Will?”
Dustin sank the shot, pumped his fist, then shook his head. “Nope! Been a little busy becoming the undisputed champion of graduation night.” Stacey high-fived him.
Lucas rolled his eyes. “Great. Real helpful.”
Max grabbed Lucas’s hand. “Come on. We’ll do one more lap.”
They checked the upstairs bathroom line. Then the downstairs bathroom where some guy was puking his guts out. They apologized and backed away quickly.
Then, both spotted the hallway, across the living room, they passed the laundry room, and suddenly they heard it.
A soft thud against a door, then another. Like something or someone was gently hitting the wall. The door had a handwritten sign taped to it; OUT OF LIMITS in bold Sharpie.
Max raised an eyebrow at Lucas. “That’s Stacey’s guest room.”
Lucas grinned. “Are we about to cockblock Will?”
Max chuckled and then twisted the knob. She pushed the door open just a crack at first, then wider.
Inside, under the dim glow of a bedside lamp, Will was pressed gently against the wall, Chance’s hands on his waist, their mouths fused in a heated kiss that looked like it had been building for minutes. Will’s fingers were tangled in Chance’s dark hair, and Chance had him caged in the best possible way.
Max let out a loud, dramatic cough.
The two sprang apart like they’d been electrocuted. Will’s face went scarlet instantly; Chance’s eyes went wide, pure panic flashing across his features as he stumbled back a step, like he’d been caught stealing.
“Shit!” Chance started, voice cracking.
Lucas’s jaw dropped, then he burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. Max doubled over beside him, wheezing.
“Sorry! So sorry!” Max managed between giggles, pulling the door almost shut but peeking back in. “We were just- well… looking for Will. Didn’t mean to… interrupt the makeout session.”
Will buried his face in his hands, mortified. “Max!”
Chance looked like he was calculating how fast he could jump out the window. “Shit, shit- Guys please I- please don’t tell anyone! I-”
Max caught the genuine alarm in his voice and softened immediately. She glanced at Lucas still snickering, but he gave her a nod and both stepped fully into the room, pulling the door closed behind them to give them privacy from the hallway.
“Hey, hey, breathe, Romanillos,” she said, hands up placatingly. “Nobody’s gonna hear it from us. Promise.”
Chance’s chest was still heaving. “You sure? Because if this gets out I- my dad might- fuck I think I’m having a panic attack.” His hands started shaking.
Will stepped forward, touching Chance’s arm gently and making him sit on the bed, he started rubbing his hands, trying to calm him down. “Chance breathe, slowly, that’s it. Let it in and out, okay?“
Chance obeyed, he started to calm down little by little.
Lucas, Max and Will exchanged glances, the three of them genuinely worried.
“Chance, they know… about me, I mean. They’ve know for some months now.” His voice was steady, quiet, but there was something unwavering in his eyes, honesty and kindness that made Chance pause.
Chance searched Will’s face, then Max’s. She smiled softly at him, while Lucas just gave him a small, sincere nod. “Sworn to secrecy since sophomore year. We are not snitches. Your secret’s safe.”
The tension in Chance’s shoulders eased slowly. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Shit… sorry, I mean, thanks. Is just that… yeah. Not exactly out to anyone yet, the only person that knew is… well not longer here and my parents… fuck, that’s another story.”
Lucas smiled softly. “Don’t worry, man, we get this can get complicated with not the right people. Your secret’s safe.” he paused. “Though I gotta say, did not have this on my bingo card.”
Max elbowed Lucas. “We are gonna give you two a minute to… compose yourselves.” She winked at Will. “Come find us in the kitchen when you’re ready. We’ll be raiding the leftover pizza.”
She tugged Lucas out, closing the door softly behind them.
Chance let out a shaky anxious laugh once they were gone. “Holy shit. That was a close one.”
Will smiled softly, still flushed. “Yeah. But… they’re cool with it. Really; and maybe next time locked the door.”
Chance nodded while letting a soft chuckle out, stepping closer again, brushing a thumb over Will’s cheek. “You’ve got good friends.”
“The best,” Will agreed.
They lingered another moment Chance stealing one last quick, soft kiss before deciding it was time to rejoin the world.
“You go first,” Chance said. “I’ll wait a couple minutes. Less suspicious.”
Will rolled his eyes fondly. “Planning covert ops now?”
“Jock survival instinct,” Chance grinned.
Will slipped out first, smoothing his shirt, heart still racing as he made his way to the kitchen.
—
Lucas and Max were already there, demolishing cold pizza slices. The second Will appeared, they both turned with identical mischievous grins.
“There he is!” Lucas announced loudly. “The man, the myth, the guy who just got caught locking lips with… a jock!” He whispered that last part.
Will groaned. “Shut up!”
Max handed him a slice like a peace offering. “Sit. Spill. How the hell did that happened? Start from the beginning and leave nothing out.”
“Maybe leave the makeout out cause we already had front seat to that.” Lucas added earning a smack on the shoulder of Max.
Will took a bite, buying time, but the grin creeping onto his face gave him away. “I don’t even know where to start. He… pulled Mike away with a dumb plan with one of his jock friends and spill a drink over him so he could talk to me. Then we talked. A lot. He’s going to UCSF.”
Lucas’s eyes bugged. “San Francisco? Hey! He can be your roommate!”
“Ooh that could be nice!” Max teased. “So what else? Did he asked you out or something? Or was it just like a one night thing?”
“He might have asked me out. We’re going to the new Indiana Jones tomorrow. He’s picking me up at three.”
Lucas let out a whoop. “Will Byers has a date! This is historic.”
Right then, Dustin bounded in, Mike trailing behind him with a fresh drink. “What’d we miss? Why are you yelling about dates?”
Mike shuffled still sporting the massive stain on his shirt, looking grumpy. “Yeah, what’s going on?”
Max couldn’t resist. “Will got himself a boyfriend. Well, a date. With…”she did a drumroll on the table. “Chance.”
Dustin’s jaw dropped. “What!? Chance? As in Chance Romanillos? The guy who bullied us and apologized to us today?”
“The very same,” Lucas confirmed, slinging an arm around Will’s shoulders proudly.
Mike blinked, processing. “Seriously? You and… Chance?”
Will shrugged, laughing now. “Yeah. Kind of. I mean we are going out tomorrow so….”
The kitchen erupted into chaotic, joyful teasing, Dustin demanding a play-by-play, Max reenacting the door opening moment dramatically, Lucas asking if Chance was a good kisser.
“I’m not answering that!” Will protested, bright red.
Mike eventually cracking a reluctant smile and muttering, “Just… don’t let him break your heart or I’ll break his face.”
They laughed until their sides hurt, passing around pizza and drinks, the party music thumping in the background.
At one point, Will glanced across the open plan living room, through the crowd. Chance was back with his friends near the pool table, laughing at something Andy said, but his eyes found Will’s almost instantly.
For a second, the noise faded.
Chance’s smile softened, private and warm, just for him. Will smiled back, small and shy and unbelievably happy.
Tomorrow at three couldn’t come soon enough.