Chapter Text
The bustling town and the constant roar of traffic in New York filtered through the walls of El's apartment. The party agreed to have a pre-Valentine's night hangout hosted by El. All bright lights were dimmed accompanied by the city lights, the two pizza boxes that were neatly stacked at the kitchen counter were replaced with beers and wines. Windows were now open wide and a scented candle was lit up a few moments ago since the smell of pizza and the damp odor was beginning to irked Max.
"You know I've always hated your jasmine candles, Right?" Max bantered, leaning on Lucas' shoulder and sips her wine. He was chit-chatting with Will who was near the open window about his last week's art exhibition but was nearly distracted when Mike, who was beside him, started recalling a gossip from their sophomore year.
"Love you too, Max." El intoned back, running back to her seat and continued her talk with Max. Dustin starts guffawing at Mike's anecdote. Due to Mike's unintentional comedy, he slams the table, shifting his gaze at the chips that almost fell down and thankfully, Will, who's in front of him, was able to catch it. Mike was hit by an empty can of beer from Max's direction and gave him a quick middle finger. "Watch it, Wheeler." Max warns.
"Jesus, Max! That hurts. Sorry, Will." Mike croaked, earning a grin from his best friend and shook his head, indicating that it's fine. He grabs the empty can on the floor and he almost thank it as the ache from his head made the gears in his brain starts cranking and curiosity seeps between the gaps.
"So what's everyone's plan for Valentines day, in like, the next three days?" Mike pans. He noticed the shift of the atmosphere when El sat properly and Dustin shivers his shoulder, maybe from the tension from sitting too long.
Max abruptly sat up straight and stares at Will, who was now staring at each other. "Jane," Will starts, "Our guts are literally tied together. So, who's the new guy?" He slowly smiles at her direction, tapping his fingers at the table from excitement.
"Uh," El shuffles nervously, feeling a kick under the table from Max, her waved her hand, encouraging her to speak out. Mike's glance flips between them, his eyebrows raised.
"We uh," Dustin butts in and Lucas place his hands on his forehead, slowly wrappings things up. El glares at Dustin and looks away to take a deep breath.
"You called it, guys. Yep, we're dating." El concludes, hands slapped on her thighs as if ending a presentation. Dustin's cheeks were now dusted pink and burst into giggles at the collective gasps and the screeching of chairs. Mike gave him a side hug and punched his arm repeatedly.
The entire party cheered. "Dang, congrats dude!" Lucas happily chirped at Dustin, followed by Mike and he gave El his satisfied beam that both of them reciprocated. Will starts walking to Max and show his palm, fingers beckoning something for money. "Twenty," Hearing the price again, Max sighs. Defeated, she gave him the paper money and Will side-hugs his sister.
"Oh my god, you guys bet on us?" El got stunned and side-hugged Will back. The three boys had their private agent mode conversation about when did it start and where they will do their Valentine's. Will shrugged and starts laughing, "Max said you'll probably end up in a hookup relationship from how desperate you were complaining a love life." He explained to El.
"Maxine! I heavily, heavily! Condone that," El laughs, smacking Max's shoulder lightly with her arm. "Just because I have a colleague friend who owns a bar doesn't mean I'll get to drool over sweaty men while helping her out." El explained, crossing her arms. Will stares at Max and copied her sister, nodding her head.
"Well, beats me. The statistics were quite high over there," Max reckoned and was now eavesdropping at the men's conference as though they're all wearing suits and having a formal meeting. Dustin was aghast at what Lucas' plan with their date with Max.
"Holy shit, Lucas! Why did I just knew about this?" Mike cover his right ear the way Dustin screeched, eyes were now puzzled at Lucas' vague statement.
"No 'cause what do you mean there's another round of batch reunion and you and Max are going this time?" Mike tried to connect the dots, really. Hawkins High was an absolute shit terror to the six of them. He didn't wanna even start recalling those horrid memories, well, except for the juicy gossips and that certain era where the four of them gets to play Eddie's D&D Hellfire Club campaign before he left the school and graduated with flying colors.
"Right. Who here went to the first reunion?" Dustin asks the room.
No one raised their hand.
Dustin stares at Lucas, showing evidence. He then got the best in him and starts threatening Lucas with a bunch of questions. While Lucas gets overwhelmed by Dustin's frantic behavior, Max chimes in, "Okay, enough of that Dustin," Max shushes him, "Lucas and I were invited by C-"
"Carlton?" Mike interjects.
"Chance?" The party called out before Max even could say his name. Lucas turns around and glares at Mike.
"Oh God," Will facepalms, facing away the audience. He felt a two pair of eyes at him. One from El who tried her best not to laugh, and perhaps from Mike, who got smacked by Max again with a kitchen towel, "Not Will's fling, idiot." Max whispered, already pissed at him.
Max clears her throat and folded the towel neatly, "Uh, yeah, Chance. I mean, he called Lucas all of a sudden, which was a shock obviously. Even though he's not a part of the basketball team anymore, regardless of the quarrel, Lucas bought home their first ever trophy." Max explains. The party nods in agreement.
Mike shakes his head, "What's up with a second reunion? How come they didn't invited us?" He asked deliberately, the source of queries that earlier came from Dustin's buzzing questions.
"What do you think, Mike? Got any clues?" Max answers the last question.
Mike opens and closes his mouth, "Right." Mike slowly slumps down from his seat.
"Look, this second reunion is actually optional, you can go if you only want to." Lucas explained, Max nodding along. "It's like a couples gathering on Valentine's day with high-end cuisines served to you. Basically, you should be an alumni, from the class of '23, and both of you," Lucas wrapped his arm around Max's shoulder, his index and middle finger already up, "should meet the two requirements and are in love." Lucas formed a heart on his cheek with his peace finger.
"Partners." Max corrects. She scrunched her nose and swatted Lucas' hand away, not quite comfortable yet with showing physical affection in front of her friends. Regardless, she still smiled at Lucas' witty demeanor. Lucas lean on the chair, chest puffed out as he mentioned another thing. "And the foods? All free, baby. You only have to pay the entrance fee, which is around about two working days of Mike's earning."
"Now why would you-"
"That's amazing, Lucas! It's like, you've just purchased a hotpot but it's replaced with a five star Michelin foods." Will remarked, chin butted and strokes his stubble. His eyes unconsciously stole a glance at Mike's orbs. Will's pupils started to wander if he should break contact or not.
Mike shakes his head a bit, eyes deep with contemplation, "I mean, it's actually cool you two got invited," Mike finally breaks eye contact with Will and stares at Lucas. "Do they only invite who they called? Or as long as you've met the three requirement, you can go, right?" Mike queries.
"As long as I can remember our conversation with Chance, yeah, you can." Lucas answers back. Mike turns his head to Dustin, who both of them nodded in understanding. Mike was about to encourage Dustin, not until his head snapped at El and heaves a sigh.
"No wait- Argh! Me and El already reserved the dinner date near our dorm." Dustin told everyone and stares back at Mike. El simply gave them a shoulder shrug and a plastered grin. "Either way, the people there will probably sucks ass." Dustin quipped that earned him a bunch of laughter.
"I'm actually just there for the free food," Max shrugs "And this guy just said he missed the team, am I right?" She teased Lucas, who was now groaning in embarrassment and calling out his friends while Mike and Dustin dramatically stood up from their seats and pack up their bags.
"Alright! Oh wow look at the time. It's girls night, get out!" El clapped his hands and playfully pushed Will who were both giggling at how heavy he was. Lucas stood up and grabbed the forearm crutch on the side of El's window. Max mutters a 'thanks' and lean onto the crutch for support, aching a bit from sitting for too long. Before the core four leaves, they of course started gathering the wine glasses, crumpled tissues, and empty cans of beer, helping each other out and washing the dishes.
When Will was done with his task, (as per El's nagging and reassurance) he sat down beside Max, releasing a sigh of relaxation. Max puts her phone down and stares at him, her hand went to Will's.
"Congratulations for being the fifth wheel, Will Byers." Max jested, resulting for Will to stand up, "Oh fuck you, Mayfield," but then Max pulled his arm, and both of them snickered, shoulders shaking with accompanied silent laughter.
"I really did not expect that coming, by the way. El is really good at hiding this. Like c'mon, they've hid this to us for two consecutive weeks?" They've both look at the topic of the conversation who were both washing the dishes together, bumping their hips in a playful manner.
"I'm his brother, Max. That's that. She actually never talks about love and romantic stuff unless we're watching rom-com, which was totally weird." Will crosses his arms and tucks in his feet under his bottom, a triumphant smile etched between his smile lines.
"Yeah… Yeah you're right, I've really missed El. I miss us. I know we've all been busy and thankfully we've got an opportunity to steal the time and pour all of it into this hangout," Max leans beside him, a smirk now tugged at her lips when he follows Will's gaze. He was staring at Mike and Lucas cleaning the table like they were playing air hockey, but his focus was more on Mike.
"Idiots, am I right?" Max rolled her eyes. "Lucas' my idiot, and Mike's your-"
"Max," Will grumbled. His focus was now on the coffee table as he fidgets his fingers, "I know it's been a decade and I know how frustrating for the both of you and El to convince me that Mike reciprocates my feelings." spoke Will in a hushed tone, eyes now drooping and slumps beside Max for comfort. "It's just… It's not that easy when you've been friends—best friends—since preschool. Everything is fixed, everyone knows you're both just… That. The status remains."
Grating on her nerves, she criss-cross her legs and faced a devastated Will, for the nth time. "I'm sorry to say this but you," Max jabs her finger to his cheek, "sound like a stuck gear. All that 'Oh Mike acts that way to others as well. Oh Mike always send blue hearts to his family as well, nothing special about it.' That grown ass man doesn't even share his water bottle to anyone."
"What? How come I always see he gives his water bottle to James during our lunch on Wednesdays?" Will stammers as he got more bemused. He vividly remember that time during their elementary days, Mike wouldn't hesitate to bring his lips to Will's jug and take a full chug after P.E. classes.
"Wednesdays were your mid-subject crisis on art history, Will. He'd discreetly swaps his bottle with Lucas. I knew James and his gay ass thrives whenever he sips that bottle." Max scoffs and chuckles at those hilarious moments. "He's a spit-conscious guy."
He's not… Will thinks, still confused on how he's gonna take this advice.
"Listen, I was so happy for you coming out to us that I almost felt a miracle that Jesus tried to lift my arms, desperate to hug you back at that time. You’ve finally embraced who you are, Will. Now, show it to who you love." Max confided, her hands are now placed on his broad shoulders. Will shudders at the contact, thinking about Max's advice once again. At this point, she could already do a novel collaboration with Mike at how she eventually gives him a word to the wise. He exhales, tensed shoulders gradually relaxing a bit, he's thinking about him again, as always.
As he continues to collect these pieces of advices and evidences from his friends, his doubts still gets the best of him. It has always been his ground haven; a safety refuge to sit down and daydream, escaping from reality. He piles these collection into a pyramid in his mind. A Maslow's Hierarchy. He climbs just to reach to the result, to his full potential.
When he was little, he liked playing the slide with Mike at the playground. He enjoyed the moment, not the one who held his hand while sliding down. He goes back to the ground. His needs. Again. Goes up. Reach at the top.
He remains on the ground, ever since that rainy day at Indiana.
It's not my fault you don't like girls!
"…Will!"
Two voices pulled him back in his place. He focus back to Max, who was now in her crutch. Max's grip somehow lingers on his shoulder. He stared to his right, a warm hand breaking the barrier of his daydream.
"Will, let's go," Mike gently shakes Will while carrying Will's backpack with his shoulder. Lucas, Dustin, and El were now near at the door. Wills slowly nods, shaking off his brain fog and collects his belongings from Mike.
Will held Max's arm as they went near to the door, preparing to bid farewell. "I'm sorry I zoned out, but you know I always take your advices to heart." Will mutters for Mike not to overhear.
"More like for granted." Max jokes, but he unfortunately knew the truth. He nudges her with his elbow, their shared look already stated a conclusion. Advices are honestly the easiest to take in, but to do it? It's always gonna be a leap of faith. He doesn't trust faith, especially when it comes to a guy named Mike Wheeler.
"Bye guys! See you when I see any of you, except you," El grabs Max and wrapped her arms around hers, snickering in delight. They've been having their sleepover until the end of the week. "And you. I'm sick seeing your face at Central Perk," El deadpans. Mike shakes his head in disbelief, finding a person to side him. Will scoffed, amused of the situation, and said his private farewell to Max.
"That's literally the only stable coffee shop I've found! Seriously? I can't believe this party." Mike barked, causing the group burst into laughter.
"Go find somewhere near your residence, not near us," Max jested, finding solace in El's arm and feeling the sleepiness kicks in. They had their personal farewells to each other, "not until you forget my latte must be half ice, Wheeler." She pats his lanky figure, the door opening wide by Dustin.
"I would never- Forget." Mike finishes. Lucas kisses Max's temple as Will stared at them from outside, the three of them waiting.
"Let's have another round soon, yeah?" Dustin waves at the girls and shuts the door.
"I may not live to see our glory," The walking distance was about a twenty minutes until they've reached to Lucas and Will's dormitory. Dustin shoved his arm around Lucas shoulder and clicked his heels together, the duo almost tumbled from the wet, cold floor.
"I may not live to see our glory!" Lucas followed along. They started swaying side by side, finding their own balance. Will and Mike are walking behind them, hands in their pocket from the crisp weather. They're about twelve feet away from the two and pretends they don't know these guys who were singing their hearts out nearing midnight.
"But I will gladly join the fight," Dustin recited with melody.
"But I will gladly join the fight." Lucas harmonizes back.
"God," Mike rubs his face with both of his palms, peeking and opening an eye when he heard Will's laugh. "I've suffered enough of Dustin's musical playlist on loop, and now we're back at it again."
"You should've seen their play together, they were awesome." Will shrugs. He recalled that time during their senior year back at Hawkins. Lucas, Max, and Dustin volunteered at the theater's club. Their final play was a success and Will was the only one who was able to watch it.
"I've seen their practice, yeah. Cool. I've been quite busy with my projects at that time," Mike nods.
And too busy moping over your break-up with El. Will tethers thoughtfully, noticing a lonesome bird flew away above the cirrus, dark clouds.
The air went a bit colder, their arms and shoulders bumped at each other. Will lowers down his gaze and starts kicking some blocks of snow away from the road.
Mike's hand at Will's side and started to twitch. Throat bobbing, he simply gulps from the coldness and pushing down a thought to his stomach. He felt hungry, but it was starting to form an aching sensation that he wants to let out and be done with it.
He actually pondered for a long time after what Lucas have said. Yet it doesn't look like he was overthinking about what to do this Valentine's day. It's actually a superpower of Mike; he's mind free and laid back whenever they're with his friends, while the half of his hippocampus was grinding for labor, already thinking on how he'll manage to do his tasks and reminders and how he'll act in front of others before the day comes to an end.
The last time he'd visited a Michelin restaurant was on Nancy's eighteenth birthday. He was fourteen. The sirloin steak was amazing. He almost vacuumed the entire thing in his mouth before Nancy pinched his forearm at complained at how he'd munched like he had never eaten for a week because his parents just disowned him.
It's been years, and his wolfish appetite missed that certain feeling. Even if it's a leftover, as long as it was made from the hands of Gordon Ramsay, he'd take it in a heartbeat. It was a curse for Mike to eat a lot and all the calories leads to nowhere. His fast metabolism was a gift sent down from heaven, as El would sometimes say to him.
So when he heard another batch reunion will occur in which he honest to God loathed, he simply looked at the brighter side. A two-hundred bucks of an entrance fee per couple, you and your partner will have pile after pile of cuisine at every turn you take, every smell you intake. Man, it makes Mike's mouth froth.
Finally stepping on his ground, his gears started working, the tiny Mike in his brain started typewriting on what he'd say to a certain someone, a certain target that he trusts a lot. Even if he falls on the ground and exclaims he wasn't able to catch him because his hands hurt from painting for hours, he'd always forgive him and do the trust fall the next day. Because it's his best friend.
"Will, I have a favor-"
"Raise a glass to the four of us!" The duo sang and turns their backs, pointing between the two and at them. Mike stares back from the noise and almost chokes at their ludicrous behavior.
"-ite musical…" Fuck.
"Musical?" Mike whispered at the invisible camera, his glare throwing daggers at it on how he'd just ruined a simple conversation, a one simple favor.
"Oh, really? Since when did you switch nerd major?" Will jokingly asked, he slightly tilts his head at him, crossing his arms seeking for warmth.
"Uh since," Mike thinks quickly, his hand busy nitpicking a loose thread inside his pocket. "Since- I uh, I don't know, I've just watched a few with El and Dustin. Hadestown is actually great." Mike gritted his teeth, knowing that he only knew it by listening songs from El's while she summarized the story for him. He bumped Will's shoulder again.
Will grins, he overpasses a branch, unconsciously holding Mike's arm. Mike grabbed his elbow. "Orpheus and Eurydice… A tragic start, don't you think?" Will exhales, a cold smoke came out of his mouth.
"Their love story? Yeah it was. But it can also imply about capitalism," Mike starts to point out and explained how Hades gave Eurydice a choice and it mirrored how the corporation exploit workers to either do labor and tire yourself or get hungry and cold instead.
This nerd, Will held his breath and barely listened. His head already hurts a bit just from thinking back again what Max have said to him. While he tried to understand some of Mike's analysis, he can't help but to compare himself as Orpheus. His coming out was the song he finally dared to sing—a moment of truth and vulnerability. But now, he was terrified. What if Mike wasn't really following him behind? The desperate need to turn around was overwhelming. He'd lived his entire teenage life walking, trying to lead them toward a future where Mike might stay despite everything—despite who he was and the inevitable collision with the truth.
Ah, what the hell even. Mike can rot in the underworld.
Mike's interpretation went too long that they almost passed by the dormitory. They said their goodbyes and see you's as Dustin and Mike stayed at the entrance. Before they can leave, they got distracted with Dustin's ringing phone, so he asked Mike to wait for him when he picked up his phone.
And before Will closed the glass door, without any intention, Mike's hand held the handle.
"Will, I was thinking…" The brunette halts and stares at him, patiently waiting for him to speak.
"What is it?" Will genuinely grins, but his eyes were bloodshot tired. Maybe this isn't the right time.
Mike frowns a bit, and then an idea bubble just popped.
"Maybe we could hangout? Every Thursdays are your art exhibit day, is it? Sarah took my shift and I-I've decided to spend that time with you." Mike preened, his hand unconsciously rubbed his nape. The steel handle was cold from his tightening grip.
Will inhales and held it, glancing at Dustin's busy back and back to Mike's roaming orbs. This wasn't actually new. Mike usually grabs the opportunity to hangout around New York with Will if ever he has a day off or a sudden backup. But an art exhibit where Will is currently an assistant there and knowing Mike will be there as a visitor, just to wander around and steal a glance at him wasn't actually that bad either.
"Oh, Okay. Sure! I guess," Will shakes his head, now confused, "I won't ask you why though, but I work there, Mike. I'll not be able to hang out with you all day. You'll eventually get bored." Will explained, they're both still holding the ends of the steel handle.
Mike shrugs and finding the words to bring those eyes to crinkle, "I know. I recently switched nerd major. I'd like to see every brush stroke of every painting."
"Mike," Will laughed at how he'd just answered his satirical question, pushing Mike from his left chest. Mike stilled, his gaze focused on Will's. "Of course you can come. But I've warned you, alright?"
"Great! I'll be there at two. Your starting shift." Mike finalized. "Goodnight, Will." Before Will can say it back, Mike released his grip from the door handle and waves goodbye, running back to Dustin.
"Don't be late!" Will screamed.
"Is seven minutes late okay?" Mike teased, a smile plastered on his face.
Will leans his head at the other side of the glass door, God, he's a mess. "It's okay."
The smell of graphic lead and pungent solvents that mixed with the lavender fragrance oil greeted Mike with welcoming yet a chilly hug, mainly from the AC above his head. Each painting were crafted meticulously, carved and stroked with utmost dedication. The render and highlights glowered with full passion as a sign that this piece was made by my bare hands and yours to see and interpret.
Thursdays were surprisingly the easiest days for Mike. If Sarah, his co-worker, didn't agree to his very early morning plea to take his shift, Coffee and pastry consumers rarely visits with a frown and they're not that sleep deprived. The fact that there's only a few to celebrate an upcoming weekend fills him with joy.
Now that he can relax and savor each painting he would see and gladly read its short description of it, he can now think of another upcoming scenario to full-on practice in his mind until he back out. I hope not Mike cried.
The planning starts now. The favor was simple, really: Take Will Byers on a fake-date, discuss a script and possible question about their relationship history if ever one of their former classmate got curious of it, grab every free, gorgeous meals, shove it in his mouth. His fat ass satisfied. That's it. A win is a win.
The brunette will eventually agree to it, because, of course, that's what best friends do. But the statistics can be risky.
If Will's Friday will involve of him going to do a group project to accomplish it because their leader is a fucked up perfectionist that needs the project to be done immediately even though the deadline is still two weeks away, then maybe he's gonna have to confront the guy and laugh at his single ass because Will has a (fake-)date on Valentine's day, which is gonna be Mike and his gluttony ass. I mean who even does a group project gathering on an upcoming Valentines' day anyway?
He starts snapping his fingers, his eyes refocused at the art description he was reading. The performative guy in him was getting out of hand. His brain is too haywire. He quite need a lobotomy and a medical assistance with a dietician because he can't even grow a fucking muscle after over drinking tons of protein shake.
"You know, you're immersively reading a description of an abstract painting." A familiar voice entered and snapped him into reality. He straightens his posture and saw Will with his arms behind his back, his lanyard dangles when he stares back. "It's not that deep, Mike."
Panic flares behind his back. "Hi! Hey, Will, didn't know you were here." Mike stammered and looks around, scratching his neck.
"Okay? I work here." Will chuckles, an eyebrow raised in amusement. He then pointed at the artist's name.
"Seems familiar to you?" Will asked him, crouching a bit and got his knees a bit wobbly when Mike's breath touched to his cheek, both of their faces were now close. Mike glares at the name, looking like he'd forgotten a pair of prescription glasses at home. He released a gasp.
"Jason fucking Carver painted this?" Mike looks at Will, pointing at the painting and glares at the splashed, vivid colors.
Will hid his smirk, knowing he's not in his focus state right now and was never actually reading it.
He nods enthusiastically, "Well, he's not an F., more like Jason B. Carver." Will thinned his lips while he rocks the soles of his feet.
Then it clicks together, Mike's brain gears started turning again.
"Holy shit! Is Jason your cousin?" Mike was stunned. He'd never actually knew Jason's maiden name since he never writes or mentions it.
"Distant. He's very private with his artistic life." Will sternly clarified. Hands now clammy in front of Mike. He didn't actually want him to know, but since, you know, best friends. "We barely talked now." He added.
"Almost two decades of friendship and I've just known you're distant cousins with that guy." Mike exasperatedly sighs, hand went on the side of his head. He doesn't know what to do with this new information.
"Please don't tell the others, especially Lucas," Will begged, staring between Jason's abstract painting then back to Mike.
"'Course. I never spill your secrets, you know me." Mike starts walking further to get a glimpse of paintings he'd never seen yet. Will follows suit.
They walked around the exhibit in silence. Mike knew that he's on a quick break but he still asked anyway. "So, you on a short break?"
Will nods while still admiring the paintings. He always see these but never gets tired of it, just the same as Mike whenever he goes to bookstores that he can't buy just yet because of being one of Dustin's victim in getting manipulated and the force of impulsive buying. It's actually a crime but he still gives in anyway.
"I can end my shift early. After my break, I'll sort all the archived paintings at the staff's room. Then," Will slowly grins, elongating the 'n' sound. He hit Mike's side with his elbow a bit, not too harsh that will tumble him like a feather. "you're gonna have to buy me a free coffee at your shop." He will be needing some caffeine for a half nighter since he wasn't done yet with his group task project.
"Oh," Mike scratched his nape, he can never say no to this. This was a tradition. No buts, no 'other cafes', just an exchange of favor. Yes, right, an equal favor. Will actually helped him read a passage of his essay earlier, so that's quits alright. Mike buys him a drink. Mike asks him to fake-date him. Will agrees. Two equal favors.
Shrugging off the high possibility of Sarah throwing the steel milk frother cup in the middle of his shift time, "Not a problem at all." Mike bit his inner cheek while trying to remember where their first aid kit was hidden.
"I gotta go, be back before five." Will thanked him, tapping Mike's forearm where he'd lightly hit him. He never looked back at the furrowed eyebrow Mike.
It wasn't a long battle of waiting, as long as it's Will and he has something to fidget to kill time, then it's cool. Mike just bought a croissant at the mini cafe around the corner of the exhibit. He started playing on a game boy he'd bought from the antique store just ten minutes ago, when a crash sound was heard, wood to wood. It was quite loud that half of the people there finds the source of the sudden noise.
Easily distracted, Mike turned around and saw a woman, around the same age as him, rummaging the broken canvas while uttering a few apologies to the people who walked by.
Every painting he critically admired, every art description he'd managed to wore the artist's shoes just to understand it was enough for him to create and connect every piece into an alternative universe story.
But one glance from the painting that was held recklessly by this woman wasn't acceptable. He felt the painting called his name, desperate to be seen and praised.
"Hey, wait," Mike ran quickly before the woman goes back to the staff's room.
"Oh, hello! What do you need?" The woman simpered. She has blonde hair tied in a messy bun, holding between the separated wood of the portrait canvas as she tried to put the wood pieces back together, the fabric getting ruffled.
Mike's hand twitched and almost held the broken canvas, holding back his words to say 'Hey, that's not how the way you hold a canvas!' since he's not the manager here who's much of a perfectionist and knows all of the art knowledge and etiquette.
Totally not describing Will's classmate.
Instead, he pointed at the painting like a child who pointed at an old man's exposed crack.
"The broken painting," Mike licks his lips and noticed the woman's eyes were a gorgeous shade of green. To be honest, he's not good with girls. The only girls he talk were El and Max. He's bitchless. Mike shakes his head, "The uh, can I… Can I see it?"
He lowers his gaze to see the name tag pinned on the girl's chest. Her name was Olivia.
"Oh, this? Yeah sure," Olivia showed the painting.
Mike steps back a bit and internally gasped.
He knows the art style.
It was Will's.
Will painted this.
He was never wrong when it comes to Will's artworks. But why the hell was this woman accidentally, or intentionally, broke Will's painting? Does Will knows about this?
Yeah, enough questions. Mike was speechless after seeing the painting.
He first noticed the deep, muddy earth tones of the canvas. At first glance, it looked like the night sky with a few realistic stars scattered. It wasn't actually a constellation of stars, but rather each position of the stars created a figure.
No.
Two figures.
The aforementioned were in a forest setting, A severely injured knight was sitting in a low, broken stone ledge. He was facing slightly away from the view, body completely slumped forward, his chin rested heavily on his chest, and his legs were splayed open in exhaustion. The heavy chest plate and ripped tunic were splattered with blood, unbuckled and hanging loosely off one shoulder, exposing his bare chest and the left side of his ribs. His eyes were closed, head lolling to the side.
Like a marionette whose strings have been cut, the knight was being braced by someone. An anchor who held him at bay. He didn't looked dead yet, but he forced a hand that reached up to touch the other's arm, his grip was loose and uncertain.
The other one was a wizard. He wore a deep shade of purple robe stood behind the seated knight. His body was rigid, legs were locked to support the heavy body weight. He was leaning over the knight's shoulder, face buried in the crook of his neck—not to kiss him, no, but to listen for a pulse or a breath. He held the knight like a secret vice; an oath to never leave his side. His left arm was wrapped tightly under his armpit and across the collarbone. The hand gripped the knight's shoulder so hard that the artist was able to make his knuckles white. Like a catalyst, his right arm reached around the knight's exposed side, hand pressed flat directly over the knight's heart. The fingers are clawed and buried into the dirty skin.
Pain? Why was the wizard in pain? The knight was injured, not him.
But the stars, oh the stars, it told its own story.
Beneath the wizard's hand on his heart, a blinding white light is bursting out like a cracked porcelain. Due to the knight's skin being exposed, there were geometric, twinkling stars embedded in the skin. The look like shattered glass filled with white-hot mercury.
While the source of light was the knight, then the wizard was the darkest of shadows.
Almost missing the detail, the wizard's fingertips were marked with scattered stain. The dark shade of violet barely showed as it was incredibly inky. The star marks were crawling up to his wrist and disappearing under his sleeve. Crucially, the wizard's neck was exposed as he leaned forward. Like a blackened frost, the obsidian veins have crept up his collar, spider-webbing up toward the jawline.
The situation they were in; it showed a divine intervention. The process of healing looked very painful, as if he was abusing his entire power, the source of his breathing, just to bring back the life in someone's eyes.
The heart was being healed of magic, of brilliance. It almost filled the entire canvas from the bursting light.
The heart. The light.
The paladin and the cleric.
Will did another painting, but Mike thinks that this time it was actually for him.
Is it? Or the assumption was just heavy as his confusing feelings if this is simply just the pleasure and passion for painting.
Mike wants to be careful with his words. He knew it was from Will, but it would be a bit creepy if Mike knew one of the staffs. He asked away.
"It's a great painting. Are you gonna throw this away?" This can be fixed so Mike hoped that he was wrong. He looked at the painting again and back to Olivia, the one who accidentally(?) broke it, much more intently.
"Unfortunately, yes. The painter wanted to throw this away." Olivia frowns. Mike was shock that he wanted to show his puppy eyes and beg her to give the canvas instead. So he did.
"I want to keep this. May I?" Mike politely asked. Olivia shrugged, knowing that the owner wouldn't care either way. She smiles and hands the painting to him. "Of course. Do you want me to fix the canvas?"
"No need, I'll do it." Mike shook his hand. The woman mentioned about getting a storage tube instead and Mike fully agreed.
"Thanks a lot." Mike leaves her to do her task. His heart started pounding while he goes back to his seat. He hopes for the best for Will not to mention the painting.
"Can I please see what you bought at our exhibit?" Will pleads for the nth time, biting the straw from his coffee cup. They're walking down at the busy night streets in New York, ready to go home to their respective place.
Mike's jet-black hair was now messy, ruined by his hand every time Will asks about the storage tube that was slinging from his shoulder. "It's nothing, Will. I-I bought it for Nancy, said she liked it and wanted to put it on their wall." Mike finally explains. Will tilts his head, thinking of all the possible paintings that Nancy liked the most based on the checklist he'd ticked before he left his early shift.
"I'll guess it… Oh! Is it the abstract painting I've shown you? Jonathan likes those kind of stuff."
"It's for Nancy's."
"Then… is it floral-y? The pink and white ones?" Mike shook his head, this is gonna take a while.
"..The starry night inspired painting, the garden with two people in it… Don't tell me you bought the nude painting." Will side glares at him.
Mike got a bingo. He snapped his finger and pointed at Will. He ends the game. "Yes. That one."
"I don't like paintings. Especially nudes, Mike." Nancy's voice was obviously pissed, her eyes rolled up from the additional stress his brother threw at him. That specific painting was currently been taken down at his far right side, and he has no other choice but to mentioned it to Nancy. Mike can audibly hear her actions through the phone. He tapped his fingers nervously on the table, trying his younger brother skills again to convince her.
"Uhuh. I need a backup. If Will just asked, okay? Please? I need to go," Mike saw Will going out of the staff's room. He started shuffling from his seat and collected his things.
'Duude, I like nudesss. Send 'em.' A male voice was heard from Nancy's line and two guys started laughing as if they were high on weeds. Nancy sighed and screamed at Jonathan and Argyle. Nancy briefly explained they were at Lenora and celebrating Jonathan's successful short film. She eventually agrees and wanted to end the conversation now since she was busy babysitting the two.
Mike laughed and ended the call.
Will's eyes screamed in confusion. He glared at the tube and Mike one last time and finished his coffee, ready to throw at the nearing bin from Mike's side.
"Honestly? Weird. But okay." Will shrugged and they both turn to their right.
Before they cross the pedestrian lane, Mike called his name and suddenly gripped his arm. The green light flashed, a bunch of busy people walked passed and around them. The wind gushes at their hair, covering their eyes.
"Will," Mike repeated, his gaze finds its way back to Will's, the latter's mouth gaped open, his moist hand placed at Mike's gray parka jacket.
"Do you wanna go out with me?" Forget the group art project. Your group leader sucks. Come with me. There's free food waiting. Wait I said it wrong-
Will almost lose his balance when a stranger accidentally bumped him. Mike, who was unaware of his instincts, manages to catch him, his arm snaked around Will's waist and gripped him tightly. Their faces were now a few inches away, their breaths visible and mingled from the cold air.
"Mike?" Will pulls himself up and tried to release himself from Mike's grip, but he tightened it more.
"I-I mean…!" He hastily scurried them at the side for people to pass easier, disregarding themselves at the space that wasn't theirs to stay.
"You and me, at the batch reunion. With Lucas and Max and our batch mates." Mike pointed at himself and Will back and forth. The convincing scene was quite tense. Will's eyes wavered between Mike's and the street, just one cross and one swerve, his dormitory was there.
Will stammers and tilted his head, shaking it in bafflement. He wiped his moist hands on his mustard shade bomber jacket. "But, only couples should go and-"
"Pretend," Mike butts in, hands were now holding Will's side. "We can pretend. Dude, imagine the cuisine foods we're gonna see and eat. We'll just have to pay 200 bucks for the two of us. I-I can pay." Mike persuaded, he looked the way he was stating a D&D fact inviting someone.
A fake-date with the Mike Wheeler. His best friend. He's gonna risk the moments of hand holding as sweat accumulates between their fingers, the kissing on bare skin for people to know that Mike was his. The fake flirting that Will would eventually make him insane and convince Lucas to drop him to the nearest mental hospital for an immediate diagnosis.
Seeing queer couples wasn't controversial anymore, we're in the big 2026 anyway. But every Hawkins alumnae students will probably get surprised between two best friends that got bullied and were called frog face and zombie boy. Zomfrog. Will thought and cringed a bit.
"We're gonna pretend?" Will croaked, the coffee flavor on his throat was replaced with an acidic bile that wants to get out. His heart started hammering on his chest. He can't believe that he's gonna agree to this stupid pretend game. The risk will be worth taking the shot.
"Uhm, N-No need to pay for us. We can share, Mike." Will finally reassured him. The green light flashes again and Mike's face slowly beamed with delight. They continued their walk together.
"Great, that's great! Am I- Do you have anything to do tomorrow? Like the art project you're doing- Not that I'm stealing another of your time you know." Mike asked, holding Will's back while they crossed the road.
"Not really, no. I'll just do my group task at our dorm later and my professor canceled her class before Valentines." Will chuckled, "How'd you know about my project?"
I have your class schedule pinned at my corkboard. "Just a hunch. Lucas mentioned about your rants." He excused, he removed his hand at Will's back like he'd accidentally touched a hot pan.
"Oh God. Right." Will grunted. After a few more walks, they finally reached their destination. Mike offered Will to walk him in front of their door to discuss some things about their fake-date. When they were at the front door, they leaned on the interior balcony railing.
"I'll pick you up at nine, like y'know, discuss further on what we're gonna do on Valentines. This between us," Mike pointed at them back and forth, "should look real. Like genuinely real. Yeah?" Mike's smile was evident with joy and excitement, the plan was planning.
Will's hands suddenly got cold and covered them inside the pockets of his jacket. A deep sigh was exhaled as a visible, misty cloud formed. He shakes all of his bottled feeling inside and shoved everything at the back of his throat, careful not to spill it on the floor and cry everything out inside his chest that was now hammering hard, not through his eyes, begging to release some tears.
"Okay, that's cool." Will nods his head and scratched his nape, the obvious nervousness was evident enough for Mike to reach out a hand, but he lowers it.
"You can totally back out, Will. It's- You're the only person I thought of, and- and everything's easy whenever I'm with you." Mike stuttered, looking down at the lobby and rubbed his arm.
Will sighed, limerent of the entire situation he'd put himself in. If this is the only chance he's gonna get; to show his genuine affection to Mike and not caring a single person who sees them, not even his batch mates, then he will hopelessly devote his entire life in this shared agreement.
Either way, Mike said only, not first. This made Will's heart swelled.
"Mike, it's okay," Will placed a hand on Mike's shoulder and shook it a bit to ease the tension. "really, I'm just quite overwhelmed by this sudden favor. Nonetheless, I'll be there with you. I mean who couldn't resist-" when it comes to you? I'll give everything because I'm in love with you since we're fourteen years old. "-free food?"
Mike slowly looked back and faced him, "Yeah. Yeah, definitely." He agreed.
Will clutched his strap back. They gave each other's 'see you'. Before Will fully gets inside and closed his door, Mike suddenly held the edge of the door and placed his foot near the hinge.
"What do you want me to wear this Saturday? Anything you prefer for a guy?" Mike frantically asked Will.
"Uh, Mike, it's late. We can do it tomorrow." Will chuckled, "You can wear anything, I don't care. Go home now before Dustin kicks your ass." He gently disregard Mike's grip at the edge but the latter was too stubborn.
"Do you want to uh- practice kissing maybe? Like, for the script, of course."
"Goodnight, Mike."
"Is Lucas there yet?" Mike steps back a bit.
"No. Not yet." Not that Will knows when will Lucas come home. He placed his fingers between his nose bridge feeling a headache starting to form. He remains himself on the ground, wanting to jump at him and throw him at the open indoor balcony.
"Can I come in? We can pretend we're like a couple cuddling for warmth due to a power outa-"
Will slams the door at his face.
What the hell was that for? Were they gonna cuddle in front of an audience?
"Oh my God. What have I done?" Will slams his entire body at his bed, not caring of his 'outside clothes ≠ clean bed' rule anymore. He buried his face at his pillow so that his screams were muffled. He stands up and noticed a smear of foundation at his pillow. He groans loudly and starts rummaging some clothes for tomorrow.
The bathroom doorknob got twisted and a steam came out of the bathroom, revealing a concerned and half-naked Lucas. "Byers, what's up?"
"Thank God I didn't agree for him to come in," Will mumbled and continued to frantically find a presentable shirt, ignoring Lucas. A fake-date is still a date. He needs to somehow impress Mike.
"Will? Are you okay?" Lucas asked when he sat down at the other side of his bed.
"You're not gonna believe this but…" Will was hesitant to meet Lucas' eyes, "Mike decided to go at the batch reunion."
"Uh, what now? El and Mike broke up after our high school graduation." Lucas pointed out. Will wanted to scream at his face.
"What do you think I'm doing here?" Will's manic grin twitched.
"Will… Oh." Lucas immediately stood up and stares at the corner of the wall as if the answer was right there. His fist covered his mouth, puzzling the situations together.
"Yeah. Oh." Will raised his hands and slaps them on his thighs. He pulled out a medium box full of his unused semi-formal clothes and started thinking of a possible matching combinations.
"Will, Will! I know it's fucked up. The whole party knows about your feelings with Mike, except him. But this is like, your chance to show him," Lucas tried to consolidate Will by placing his hands on his shoulders to face his explanation.
"Show him what?" That I'm gonna prove to him that I should be the one for him until he realizes that his best friend for nearly two decades is inlove with him? No thank you.
Lucas blinks, "That you're worth the shot? Dude, seriously! Do you even see him gay panic-"
"He's not gay, Lucas." Will was slowly losing hope, scared of the risk he's gonna leap.
"Just listen!" Will shuts up. Lucas already sounds like Max. He asked Will first about the further details especially tomorrow.
"I have an idea," Lucas stares at Will, his supportive best friend energy radiating. "but you're gonna have to leave your dignity behind as you step out of this room by tomorrow."
Will visibly gulps.
He needs Lucas to send him to the mental hospital right now.
"Ouch," Will hissed when he clips and snaps the earring on his right earlobe. He haven't worn this ever since he went to a bar for the first time to meet Carlton. Lucas whistles a sexy tone and shakes Will's shoulder, vividly more excited than him.
"You're lookin' like a star, Byers!" Will blushed as they laughed together. He stood at his vanity to visualize his final look for the last time. Will wore a three layered top: a white muscle tee that was tucked in, a dark blue shade of long sleeved button down silk shirt that was open, along with a minimalistic dark navy blazer jacket. It matched with the high rise jeans that paired with the black boots. His hair was a bit longer now so it was ruffled and further styled by, yours truly, Lucas, revealing a bit of a forehead from how fluffy and wavy it was on the sides.
Will was too stunned at how he looks right now. He never cared at how others perceives him whenever he wore something he was comfortable and didn't actually had his own style. He looks at Lucas and gave him an endearing smile.
"Thanks for helping me pick out my outfit, especially the hair," He points it and rubbed his palms together, an obvious panic in his expression.
A text notification rang as a sudden knock on the door distracted them from their shared moment. Lucas shushed him, "Tell Mike I'm not here, you got this, man." Lucas patted his back and pushed him to the door. He starts massaging his shoulders. "Remember what we've talked about." He reminded Will.
Will nods and steady his breathing. He opens the door to reveal a sputtering Mike with a hot coffee in his hand. Lucas was hiding behind the door.
The taller guy wore a dark grey crepe trousers that was matched with his fitted turtle neck and the pale yellow cardigan that has black shade around the sides where the buttons were usually placed and front side pockets. For an added style, he wore his retro glasses and a small black leather sling bag.
Mike wipes a dripping coffee in his mouth and clears his throat, tongue already burned. "Will, hey. You look…"
'Ravishing.' Lucas mouthed, waving his hands and covered his mouth like a fangirl. Will glares at his side and kicked Lucas' legs.
Mike's nervous demeanor went to a perplexed one, "You good?" Mike baffled. Will quickly went past the threshold to close the door.
"Don't mind. Just a stuck rag." Will glanced at Mike, "How do I look?"
"Blue. I mean, blue fits you. Looks very very cool-toned. Cool-er.". Mike gave him a thumbs-up with both of his hands. "I like the hair," He quickly adds.
"Thanks." Will fluttered his eyelashes and chuckled at Mike's awkwardness. He was still doubting about how Mike acts whenever he's with him, because all he sees right now is the Mike he grew up with ever since they were kids.
"Come on," Will placed his index finger under Mike's lower chin and flicks it, indicating at bit of tease and endearment. He stares up at Mike seductively and smirks when Mike's eyes went wide. He passed by him and held his hand, intertwining it into his.
"Will, What's happening." Mike tittered yet he still reciprocated the gesture. He felt his turtle neck got a little too tight.
The brunette gave him his curious, dewy-eyes, "What do you mean? It's a date, Mike." He steps closer and whispers near the latter's ear, cheek to cheek. "You wanted it to look genuine, right?" His hand traveled to the Mike's nape, caressing it. They both stared at each other, Will bit his lower lips as his stare went down to Mike's lips.
Fuck, it's like someone possessed you, Will. Mike thought. He slowly starts to grin like a maniac, "Oh it's game on," He pulled Will closer, their bodies dangerously close to each other. Will yelped, placed his hand on Mike's chest and they both huffed out a laugh.
"You can touch the top of my hair anytime you want."
"Are you sure? You never allowed anyone to touch or ruin it."
"Yeah, yeah obviously don't ruin it. A slow massage should do." Mike scrolls past in his note app of all of the possible gestures they could do together during the event. They were at this dessert cafe Mike recommended where every customer has their own companion; a partner to share moments with and living their own world. Public display affection became the norm here and no one gave a flying fuck to other couples.
They both sat at the banquette seat, the far side corner of the cafe. Will suggested this so that they can practice well, to put on a fantastic show. Without sharing each other's thoughts, they just hoped that none of their friends would see them eating each other's faces at the wrong place and time.
While they waited for their orders, Will suddenly did the gesture again that made Mike stiff in his seat.
Will giggles, "Relax, Mike." He quietly reassured. His boot brushed under Mike's pants, inching closer for the leather to make contact with the latter's skin.
Mike slowly relaxes his shoulders, leaning closer to Will's touch, pushing his weight closer for Will to massage his nape a bit deeper, harder.
More.
"God. I needed this. 's been a while. Stress from acads." Mike melted to his blazing touch, he thought of El on what he'd usually do in this situation. Mike shuts his eyes and grabs his wrist, he then gave Will's lower palm a long peck.
Will's breath hitched, but continued his act. He placed his hand's on Mike's cheek and did the thumb thing. He longingly stared at Mike's closed eyes. The timing actually sucks since 'undressed' by sombr was being played in a distance.
Mike opens his eyes and his pupils dilated. He lets go of Will's hand and drags it back to his knee. He clears his throat, "'m sorry." Mike clears his throat and went back to his phone, but his other hand still remain on Will's—the hand he had kissed.
"Don't be," Will muttered for Mike not to hear. He covered his mouth to control his squeal. Yesterday until before he left, Lucas would always reminded him to look on the brighter side, to scrap his self-conscious mind and present his egoistical side to the world; a side where he's desperate for validation and hungry for compliments whenever he draws or paints or any hobby he truly enjoys doing.
None of this act is anything real, yes. It's self-abuse. But somehow, he's gonna live this moment like his entire being depends on it. He's an amazing actor. Then, when he comes home, he can just cry everything out and Lucas would catch him and be there for him holding a gallon of his favorite ice cream.
"..Forehead kiss… Aha, last one. Not a problem for you if I suddenly gave you a kiss, right?"
"What?" Will went back to his trance, looking back at Mike and abruptly stopped tracing circles on Mike's clothed knee.
"On, on the lips…" He timidly asked, glancing down at Will's lips and stares at his eyes again. Will unconsciously licks his lips and nods in agreement, "Y-You have my consent. Yes." Will held the glass of water and drinks it. This is seriously making his throat dry like a desert.
Mike nervously taps his finger as he had an idea. He smirks when he snakes his arm around Will's waist, still amazed at how thin it was.
"Let's do it, then, just a peck." Mike pleaded like one of the guys who was thirsty for affection from the nonchalant girlfriend.
Will visibly panics, "Su-sure," His peripheral vision did a quick glance at old woman who was now glaring at them, whispering to her friend. "j-just not here, Mike." Will lets out a self-conscious laugh. He pushed Mike's pouty face and thigh away, giving him a bit of a distance. Mike was surprisingly strong as he held himself at the back of the sofa, his left arm were already behind Will's back.
A bang of wood and plates clanged at their table enough for the nearest customers and the two of them to get startled and stop the act.
"Pink cheesecake and watermelon kakigori for the lovey doveys." A woman stated, who was wearing the staff's working outfit was instantly familiar due to her red-hair. She slams her hand and leaned her weight, slowly facing Mike, "I know what you are, Wheeler."
"Vickie!" They both piped and looked at each other. Their eyes screamed curses as Will immediately stood up and squeezes Mike's hand. "Wait right here," He pulled Vickie at nearest vacant area, who was still staring daggers at Mike, pointing her fingers to her eyes and back to Mike.
Now that they were not in the way of people and far away from Mike, Vickie smiled and chirped a greeting "Hi love."
"Are you insane?!" Will hissed, side glancing at Mike who was now visibly uncomfortable, his hand clutched on his forehead. "Don't make a scene in an upcoming Valentines' day, Vick! Everyone would misinterpret." Will continued.
"Don't mind. Don't care. Are you guys actually together now?" Vickie excitedly asked. Both Will and Mike are in absolute danger right now. Robin's fiance, Vickie, is actually a loud-mouthed person, but only to her closed ones. She'll probably tell this to her fiance first and just wishes for Robin not to spread this fake, sudden news.
Will raises his eyebrows, suspicious on how she'd reacted to their fake display affection, "Are you actually happy for us?"
"Oh my gosh, yes?! I wanted to congratulate Mike for coming out, like finally," Vickie shrieked while she held Will's hand and swung it.
"We're not… We're not really together," Will followed along. He shook his head and held Vickie still. "Long story short, we're gonna join the batch reunion and Mike has to fake-date me- Vick please please please! Never tell a soul about this fucked up situation."
"No freaking way, Will! Wait this is actually gonna be fun. I won't tell Robin, I swore my life…!" Vickie promised.
"Great! Oh God no your boss is calling you. Quick, quick!" Will shoved Vickie who was crossing her fingers, "Have a good one, love!" Vickie bubbled and ran back behind the counter.
Will went back to his place and gently placed his hand on Mike's back, startling Mike from the physical contact. "You good? Don't worry, I told Vickie everything. No one's gonna know except her, I promise." Mike nods and went back to his normal state, "It's- it's fine. Lucas and Max will eventually know as well. It's cool." Mike shrugged it off but Will was already frowning at Mike's condition.
Doing this act with your best friend again tomorrow made his guts turned. He wanted to vomit instead. Mike should be disgusted by this, not him. But after the discussion about their fake dating history and some practices on physical affection and boundaries; the fake act was already obvious and is in front of him, but it still felt like it was real—too real and too difficult to realize that every move was just an act. The way Mike touches him, the hair tucking, the random words of affirmation—it was obviously an act, but he reciprocated everything in a genuine manner.
But what about Mike? How'd he feel whenever he does these things to his best friend, who's biologically male by the way? Mike is straight for fucks sake. He probably thinks of El whenever he does physical affection. That's why he closes his eyes.
It's disgusting. What they're doing right now is disgusting. Will is disgusting.
"The ice cream melted. Will?" Mike went near to Will, rubbing his arm consolingly. Will gradually sat beside him and shoved his self-conscious thoughts at the back of his head again. He simply leaned on Mike's shoulder, seeking warmth. "I don't- I'm not-" Will heavily sighed, irritated at how his words were now stuck in his throat. He thought he failed Lucas' plan, but he thinks he did enough.
"Not in the mood?" Mike asked him. Will shook his head and tried to think of a white lie.
"Just remembered I haven't done my art philosophy homework that's due by next week," He mumbled, pouting a bit to catch his welling tears. He's almost done with the homework.
Mike pushed Will closer by his waist and rubbed his arm soothingly, "Remember when we're little? When we'd exchange homework? I do the writing, you do the visuals? Yeah?" Mike looked down at Will just to confirm if he's listening. This isn't an act anymore—they were just two best friends giving comfort to each other, and they didn't gave a flying fuck anymore.
"I'll help you finish it, alright? Will that be okay for you?" Mike asked again. Will can't help but to grin at how heart-warming Mike is right now. He can't help it. He ends up falling over and over again. He's mad head over heels to his best friend.
Will simply nods, not trusting his voice right now. The moment he speaks, he'll croak a sob. This feels wrong, but felt so right.
"I got you, Will." He gingerly kiss Will's crown, tapping his shoulder and ushered him to eat their desserts.
"Remember, November 7th, 2023." Will shots him a few reminders as Mike kicks a stone from his path. "Yeah, yeah. First day of our senior high school year. It's also the day I gave you the hot cup of coffee, asking you to be my boyfriend, then you just said yes when you finally finished it."
They were swinging their intertwined hands together. The cold night sky always greeted them with a cold shoulder while the warm street lights gave its soft, amber glow—a cozy, calm source of light that there's someone with you walking you home.
"Realistic enough," Will nodded like a scientist just formed its final conclusion. "Mm, that's about it," Will managed to skip on the wet floor. Mike swiftly warns him to be careful. They were now at Will's dormitory.
Will walked on the mini stairs at his dormitory's entrance, yet both of them never thought of letting go. He turns around and saw Mike who was still holding onto Will's hand. It felt like he was ready to propose to him in public, except they're surrounded with traffic lights and garbage bags on the side.
The alley was dark, but the lone street light etched Mike's structured jaw, giving him life. Will was too mesmerized at Mike's soft eyes, the way it stares deeply into his. Their slow breaths suddenly matched. He looked hesitant to walk him upstairs, like Mike wasn't willing enough to bring Will home all the way to the front of their door.
Like Mike wasn't his to keep.
"The event starts at four in the afternoon," Mike never took his gaze off at Will. "Can I pick you up?"
"Of course, you can." Will nods and noticed that their faces were almost at the same level. Mike's lips were now aligned to Will's nose.
"Wonderful," Mike sighed in relief. He clutched his heart and broke his eye contact with Will's. "Sleep early and look best for me, yeah?"
"Yeah, I will, Mike. I won't embarrass you." Will was now very reluctant to let go of Mike's warm hand. He can't let Mike's hand get cold when he leaves. "Not at all," he crinkled his nose.
Mike nods, "Goodnight, Will."
"Goodnight, Mike." As he slowly let go of Mike's hand, turns his body around and walk away.
"Wait!"
Before Will can say something back, Mike cuts him off, "You're forgetting something."
Will shook his head in confusion, and before he knew it, a warm lips kissed Will's mole that was near on his upper lip. It was so quick that Will wasn't able to react.
Mike's eyes were closed and leaned his forehead on Will's "Just a peck."
A tear suddenly ran down on Will's cheek and he immediately wipes it with the back of his blazer, he then placed his hand on Mike's neck, giving all his warmth to Mike. He also closed his eyes, wishing that this was real right now. No acting. No cameras.
"I know." Will managed to spoke back.
They stood there for a while and slowly opened their eyes. Mike gave him a smile and lets go of him. He walked away without looking back.
Will finally lets out a sob, his knees shaking. He inhales sharply, his chest was practically cold.
"Holy…" He felt a room temperature hit his back. The glass door was finally open wide and a shock Lucas was there to witness the entire thing.
Will was laughing through tears.
It was just the tip of the iceberg. There's more to come.
Mike crashed inside their living room and lets out a loud groan, not caring who's sleeping right now at the other side of their room.
"Ah! Dude! What the fuck is wrong with you?" Dustin was busy re-painting their D&D miniatures that he'd borrowed from Will.
Mike glares at what Dustin's doing, "Get that thing away from me," He throws his bag at the couch and went inside.
He slams his door shut, knocks himself at the back and slowly slides down. He massages his forehead with his palm trying to cure his headache.
The storage tube tumbled and rolled down to his feet.
Mike held his breath for a few seconds before he grabs it.
"Right. Let's get your shit together, Mike." He muttered to himself.