"𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫" byler || DRAFT ||

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 1

The Wheelers' Residence
Hawkins, Indiana
Mike Wheeler POV

Ugh. I wake up feeling sleepy as my alarm clock wakes me up. It's 7:45 AM, September 4th. I do my regular morning routine, brush my teeth, comb my hair, have breakfast, and put on clothes. Today is the first day of my sophomore year at Hawkins High. I decide to wear something nice but casual. I throw on a pair of dark blue high-waisted jean shorts and a plain striped tee that my mother bought yesterday.

I went downstairs to get my bag, but then I noticed that there was a note left on the kitchen counter. I open the letter up and read what it says. "Make sure to take Holly to grandma's and come home early! I have a surprise for you". I smiled and then put the note back. Nancy is waiting for me outside, so I have to hurry up and get my stuff so I can leave.

I picked up my chubby 6-year-old sister and walked to the car. I made sure to smell nice so that I can impress him on the first day.

Once I arrived, I saw a large crowd of people next to the signup sheets outside the school, looking for my friends. There I saw my best friend, Will over there sitting next to a tree quietly while reading comic books. He usually liked to stay out of crowds and would rather play dnd than hang out with popular kids. I don't blame him though.

I walk up to him and greet him. It's the first time we've seen each other since May. Well, besides us talking on the phone all summer, I do admit that I did miss that kid a little.

"M-Mike! Hey!" Will replied. He was dressed in a buttoned-up shirt with his sleeves pulled back
and dark navy blue shorts. I immediately noticed a scar on his cheek. "What's that?" I pointed at the soft red scar. "Oh, uh nothing. I um- bumped into something. It's nothing, I'm fine! I swear." He said nervously. It felt off to me, but I didn't want to continue asking questions to make him uncomfortable. "Okay, whatever you say Byers. Anyway, wanna walk to class? I'm pretty sure I'm running late so I gotta go hurry." I said. "Um, of course, Mike!" Will answered confidently. He's so adorable.

I headed to my locker to put my stuff inside. I was rushing to my class until I bumped into El. We haven't talked ever since the breakup. "Oh, Uhm, Hey El." I said nervously. She looked at me weirdly, then walked back to class. Had I done something wrong?