𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞

𝟏𝟗.

14:53pm
Mike Wheeler

I find myself walking up the step of the Byers' porch, ringing the doorbell.

"Mrs Byers!" I smile when Will's mom opens the door. "Merry Christmas."

"Still a little early to be saying that." She jokes. "Merry Christmas Eve. Are you here for Eleanor?"

"Uhh no- I was actually wondering if Will is home yet?"

"Oh, sure! He came home around an hour ago. He's outback. The password is radagast. Have a good day!" She beams before shutting the door.

Password??? What is she talking about.

My shoes crunch against the icy leaves as I walk into the woods a few meters from the house, finding a small den that reads 'CASTLE BYERS' above the entrance. I scoff softly, a small smirk playing on my lips. I approach the wooden castle and knock rhythmically in anticipation.

"Password?" Will requests in a monotone.

Shit, what was it again...

Will Byers

"Shit... um- I don't know." My heart rate quickens immediately to his voice.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.

Mike.

Crap he's gonna think I'm a baby for having a goddamn den.

I internally panic, sitting cross legged on a pile of pillows, forgetting I have photos and drawings plastered all over the walls.

Will, say something! It's been more than ten seconds- he's gonna think you're having a minor heart failure.

Well, for your information- random uninvited voice in my head, I AM having a minor heart failure.

Okay okay, just say something before he thinks that you've lost your voice.

Shush.

"It's radagast." You're so lame. "Come in." I speak before Mike opens the curtain, an ear-to-ear grin growing on his face as he meets my eyes.

I can feel my heartbeat in my ears.

"Hey, stranger." He says before crawling inside and sitting on a blanket beside me, looking around.

"Wow... did you make all these?" Mike asks, referring to all of the art.

"Erm..." I look down at my lap in shame. God, I bet he hates them. "Y-yeah..."

"Awesome..." I hear him whisper under his breath, causing my gaze to shift up to him in surprise.

"Re-really?" You stutter more than Lucas when he's around Max.

Thank you for that.

"Yeah, totally! You should definitely continue with this! You seem passionate about it." He pauses. "Are you?"

Being an artist is so gay... he's gonna find out.

Calm down, are you calling Van Gogh and De Vinci gay now?

Good point, I guess.

Yeah- so stop being so paranoid.

"Will- are you okay?" Mike awakens me from my thoughts.

"Oh- um yeah. Sorry." I stay silent for a while longer.

He asked you a question.

OH—