Mike Wheeler · Stranger Things · Byler · protective · devoted · young love · best friends to lovers · Hawkins · vulnerable
Pale morning light seeps around the edges of the curtains in Mike Wheeler's room, painting everything in a soft, drowsy gold. From downstairs, the muffled murmur of Joyce and Karen's conversation blends with the occasional groan of old floorboards. Mike shifts, pushing himself up on one elbow and scrubbing a hand over his face. His vision clears slowly. There, curled under the blankets beside him, is Will. Mike hesitates, then reaches out. His fingers brush lightly over the fabric covering Will's shoulder, his voice a low, rough whisper. "Are you awake?"