hawkins teaches you how to survive monsters. it never teaches you how to survive love. will keeps his heart locked away, afraid that wanting too much will cost him everything. mike smiles like the world hasn't already ended - like he doesn't know he's the reason. this is a story about longing, about stolen glances and unsent confessions, about loving someone in a way that feels like a sin. it's a shame because some loves are real even when they're never spoken. (a byler ff)