"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞?.."

𝐁𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬

---

Mike and Will sat on the worn-out couch in Mike's basement, talking about random things-school, comics, what the others were probably up to. The room was dimly lit, filled with the soft hum of an old fan and the faint glow of a lava lamp in the corner. Will glanced at his watch.

"It's 12:44 AM," he said, giggling softly. "So... am I sleepovering over?"

Mike looked over at him and chuckled. "Well, I guess so. Wanna watch a movie? I'm not really tired."

Will smiled brightly. "Sure!"

His smile is so adorable, Mike thought, his cheeks warming a little.

Mike stood up and rummaged through a small stack of VHS tapes before pulling one out triumphantly. He slid the "Batman" tape into the VCR.

"I LOVE this movie!" Will yelped excitedly.

"I know," Mike said, grinning as he sat back down beside Will. He gave him a playful shove. "That's why I picked it."

---

After the movie ended...

Mike stretched and yawned, his eyes heavy.

"You tired, By- I mean, Wheeler?" Will asked, then immediately turned bright red, looking down at his lap in embarrassment.

Mike laughed, the sound soft and genuine. "I'm a Byers now, huh?" he teased, placing a hand gently on Will's shoulder.

Will was quiet for a second, then mumbled, "Sorry...", still flushed, eyes glued to his lap.

Mike chuckled again. "It's okay. Honestly... I kinda wanna be a Byers now," he added in a softer, flirty tone.

Will lifted his head, eyes wide.

"B-But how?" he stammered, trying to hide a smile.

"I don't know... maybe I can try something," Mike said, leaning in closer with a nervous laugh.

"Uh-Sure..." Will whispered.

Mike leaned in and kissed Will gently, sweetly, their lips brushing in a soft, careful moment that only lasted a couple of seconds-but felt like forever.

When they pulled apart, Will didn't say anything. He just hugged Mike tightly, burying his face into his shoulder.

"You're a Byers now..." he whispered with a giggle.

Mike smiled and hugged him back, warm and safe in the moment.

After a few seconds, Mike pulled away, yawning. "I'm tired..."

"Me too..." Will mumbled, leaning his head against Mike's shoulder.

Mike smiled softly as his eyes drifted shut, and before long, both of them had fallen asleep-peacefully, and next to each other.

---