𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 ; 𝘉𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘳

𝟏𝟐.

Hawkins High | Thur 2:09 PM
Mike Wheeler

After talking to Will, Mike was more confused about how to fix things than he was before. Will telling him things he never realized he was doing to him. Did he really try to control him? Or shut him down whenever he tried to talk? He felt like he was trying his hardest to communicate and get to the bottom of the issue but it hair seemed like no matter what, he was the problem.

So maybe Will just needed time to forgive him.

He was in fourth period now, sometimes writing down algebra notes and sometimes staring off into space. Worrying about his living situation, worrying about Will, worrying about being safe in the school. His days were full of anxiety.

"Mike," a classmate next to him whispered, gaining his attention. The boy was blonde, green eyed, and wearing a letterman jacket. That last part made Mike a little nervous, but he responded.

"Hmm?"

"Is it true that you...have a boyfriend?"

Was this a test? Did he want him to admit it just so he could have a reason to hurt him? Or to make a joke out of it or something?

"If you wanna call me a queer and hit me just do it. You don't have to—"

"N-No, no, no, that's not why I'm asking."

Mike lifted an eyebrow at him. Well this was definitely new. He was always under the impression that all the football players were the same in one way or another, but his tone didn't seem homophobic. More understanding. Calm.

"I need advice, to you know...get one."

Mike looked around, waiting for the cameras to come out and tell him this was a prank. He saw no cameras, however, he did she another boy in the front who kept twisting his head in their direction. Turning away and blushing when they made eye contact.

"You're gay?"

"I-I don't know. I've had girlfriends but...I don't want one now."

Mike pointed to the guy up front. "You want him, huh?"

The boy nodded and the more he looked at him, his face became more familiar. Back when he was a football player, Mike wasn't nearly as sociable as the others. He was the type to ride in the back of the bus alone at games. Only hang out during practice and never outside of school unless it was Lucas. And in games when he was on the bleachers, he was too focused on the plays to be catcalling the teachers. So he barely knew most of the guys, but he felt like he talked to this one before.

"Randy, right? Seven touchdowns one night."

He smiled. "So you do remember me."

"Of course, but um, you should just go for it—and make it special. Go somewhere nice, do something fun, tell him how you feel and I promise he'll feel the same. I can already kinda tell he likes you too."

Randy considers it for a moment, rubbing his chin. "I hope you're right, Wheeler."

"If I'm wrong, you can personally kick my ass."

"Deal." He held out his hands

And Mike took it. "Deal."