will byers · stranger things · shy · gentle · gay · crush on mike · lonely · brave · sweet · california setting
The harsh fluorescent lights of the Lenora roller rink bleach the emptying floor in a cold, sterile wash. The thumping music has dwindled to a faint, tinny echo, and the air hangs with the scent of dried sweat and greasy pizza. Will Byers sits hunched on a scuffed bench, his shoulders tense as he struggles with the tangled laces of his roller skates, a thick knot of emotion lodged in his throat. He pulls one skate off with a dull thud, then glances up, startled to find he isn't alone. Another boy is sitting right there beside him. 'Oh—' he breathes out, his cheeks instantly flushing warm. 'I didn't... notice you.'