!!! - byler [DISCONTINUED]

smile!

mike let out a small chuckle. "well, i don't think a history book is right for me," he said.
will smiled at him, "well.. maybe once you finish your research.. i could.. maybe help you find a book for your liking?" he suggested, smiling sweetly at the boy beside him.

"i mean.. reading really isn't my thi-"
will cut him off. "it can be fun! like i said, you've just gotta find the right book."

mike nodded and glanced down at his incomplete research. he took a couple of minutes to jot down whatever information seemed necessary, along with a couple more books listed in his bibliography. once he finished, he let out a breath of relief. surprisingly, he had completed two pages worth of information. by far, this is the most effort he's ever put into any school related work.

will smiled, "i think that's good enough. lets go." he hopped out of his seat and took mike's hand, practically dragging him over to some bookcases. "how about a.. science fiction book?" will suggested. mike shook his head, "don't think so."

and their conversations carried on, up until mike selected a book that will had personally recommended to him. the genre was horror, which wasn't wills favorite, though he assumed mike could've liked it. both boys sat down at their table and began reading the book together. it wasn't as bad as mike thought it would be, reading wasn't boring. or.. he might just be telling himself that to impress the brunette seated next to him. either way, will seemed pretty content with mike by his side.

for the first time in a while,
mike truly felt happy. he was so distracted by this that he even forgot about the worst of his troubles- like his father. god, that man hated him. he claimed that michael was nothing but a troublemaker. therefore, he showed little to no affection to his son. that wasn't his only big problem, he missed his sister. she would always be there for him, even if she was annoying at times. nancy was now in college, and she would be there for at least two more years. now, mike was left with the responsibility to babysit his younger sister, holly, while his parents were busy.

but now, none of those issues bothered him. his smile was genuine, unlike most other times where he faked smiles for his friends.

they both looked up from the pages as the table slightly buzzed. will had gotten a text from his best friend, max.

-
from: max 🐀💓
im outside, i told you i would meet you here.
-

will read the message and let out a soft sigh. "i should get going.. i'll call you later! for real this time," he giggled and put away his books into his book bag. "oh.. alright. see you soon i hope," mike flashed a smile as he watched the boy get out of his seat and walk out the door. will waved at mike as he left, carefully shutting the library door.

!
max saw will, grinning from ear to ear. she raised an eyebrow, "alright.. who is he and what's his name?" she asked, demanding to know about her best friends crush. "h-how do you know?" his smile widened, cheeks flushing. "i know that smile, byers. who is he?"

"..mike wheeler.."