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Mike didn’t even bother changing out of his campaign shirt.
It was wrinkled now, the sleeves rolled up unevenly and the logo slightly crooked from where his jacket had rubbed up against it all afternoon. He should’ve gone back to his parents’ place or just out for drinks with the other, or literally anywhere that wasn’t his stupid dorm room. But the second he heard Will wasn’t coming his heart just wasn’t in it anymore.
The event had ended early. It was cut short due bad weather, but honestly Mike had already been halfway out the door before the announcement was even finished. He had been smiling and socialising like he was supposed to. To fill the role he was supposed to. The responsible one. The reliable one. And the whole time he felt completely hollow.
Campaigns were so much easier when Will was there. Everything was easier when Will was there. Everything was easier when Will was there. Will made boring rooms feel warmer, he made long, dragging speeches feel so much shorter, he made Mike feel like he was doing something that mattered. And without him, it was just noise.
“I’ll just head back now,” Mike had told the others, grabbing his jacket.
“Dorm stuff, you know?”
He pushed open the door to his dorm without knocking.
He wasn’t expecting-
The sound hit him first.
Soft, familiar music drifted through the room.The kind of song that made your chest ache even if you didn’t know why. I’m Not In Love - 10cc hummed slowly from Chance’s speaker, the volume was turned down just enough to feel private, almost intimate.
Mike was confused at first, until the door fully swung open and he saw them.
Chance, his roommate, leaning into his mattress. And Will.
For a split second, he almost believed it was a misunderstanding or even a joke, but it clearly wasn’t.
Chance was pinning Will against the bed. Will’s hands came up to grasp Chance’s hair. His fingers were curled tightly like he was scared of letting go, and his eyes were closed as he breathed steadily, like he had done this millions of times before. Chance had his hands either side of Will’s shoulders as he smiled against his lips cockily.
Like he owned Will.
Something piercing and gnawing wound its way around Mike’s heart and his brain stopped working completely. He didn’t speak or even make a noise like he probably should have. He just stood there pathetically, with his hand still on the doorframe as he stared at them.
The floor creaking under his foot was enough to disrupt the pair.
Will pulled back so quickly that he nearly fell off the bed, his breath pausing as he turned to look in Mike’s direction. His eyes widened as he sat up, pushing Chance off him as if he was ridden with shame and regret.
“Mike-” Will started as his voice cracked.
Chance turned towards Mike next, he seemed unbothered as his eyebrows lifted in slight surprise. But he didn’t look guilty like Will did, and if anything he looked amused.
“Oh,” Chance said. “Hey man.”
Mike continued to stare at them as his face contorted. His gaze lingered on Will’s flushed face. On the way his pink, swollen lips parted. Then his eyes dropped to Chance’s hand that rested at Will’s waist, his thumb brushing the spot absentmindedly as if he hadn’t noticed that Mike was staring. Suddenly, the room felt far too small.
“Oh,” Mike managed to mutter. Maybe he didn’t. He wasn’t so sure what he said actually, because the world felt distant.
Will began to speak again, his face masked in contrite. “Mike, I- I can explain-”
But Mike didn't let him. He shook his head in disbelief as he backed out. He didn’t slam the door or make a scene, or yell and demand answers, or do anything that even remotely matched the way he felt. He just left.
The hallway felt colder and even more barren than it did before. He stared at the door for a moment as the weakness in his legs crept in.
Inside the dorm, the silence stretched.
“Will, you need to relax.” Chance’s voice was calm, almost entertained. This clearly wasn’t important to him and Will could tell by the way he leaned back against the bed again. And Will was anything but relaxed right now.
He paced the room as he ran his hands through his hair so many times that it started sticking up in every direction. His heart felt like it was about to claw its way out of his chest.
“He saw us,” Will whispered. “Oh my fucking god he saw us!” he repeated, with more panic this time as if realisation had just settled in.
“So?” Chance brushed off Will’s concern. “It’s only Mike he’s not going to tell anyone. He doesn’t care about that stuff anyway.”
“That’s not-” Will stopped himself, biting his lip in frustration. His stomach churned. “It’s..it’s still his room too!”
“Yes, and it’s your business,” Chance replied as he pushed off the bed and stepped closer. His voice softened while his hands gently rested on Will’s arms. “No one else’s.”
Will hesitated. Of course he wanted to believe Chance, he wanted to believe that Mike really didn’t care, and that the look on his face hadn’t meant anything.
The music kept playing. The aching melody crowded the space between them, dulling the edges of Will’s thoughts just enough.
Chance leaned in again, pressing a slow, grounding kiss to Will’s lips. It was familiar and safe and something Will knew he was capable of doing without thinking. And he kissed him back, because thinking hurt too much.
Yet the entire time, every touch, and every breath, and every second that passed, all Will could picture was Mike’s face.
A Few Weeks Later
Mike and Will hadn’t spoken yet. Every time Will saw him around campus, he diverted his gaze and walked the opposite direction. Weeks had passed when Mike finally managed to corner him outside the art block. Will was halfway down the staircase when he heard his voice.
“Hey.”
He jumped a little from instinct before turning. Mike stood there with his hands shoved into his pockets. His shoulders were tense, and his eyes were fixed somewhere just over Will’s shoulder like he wasn’t sure where to look.
“Um hey,” Will replied cautiously.
“So.. can I ask you something?” Mike said. It sounded too casual, almost rehearsed.
“Yeah. Totally!” Will answered as he tried to replicate the calmness in Mike’s voice.
Mike paused, his jaw tightened before he spoke. “Chance..huh?”
Will’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Mike restarted “I mean what’s… what’s going on with you and Chance?”
Will blinked, his brows still sunken. “What do you mean?”
Mike shrugged sharply. “You’ve been hanging out a lot. Just wondering, dude.”
There were a hundred ways Will could’ve answered. A hundred ways that he could’ve softened it or explained it, hell he could’ve even avoided it altogether. Instead, he forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“We’re together, Mike.”
Mike nodded in response. Just once. “Okay.”
“Okay? Just..okay?” Will echoed. His pulse thumped loudly in his ears.
“Yeah,” Mike hurried. “Cool. Good. He’s…he’s a nice guy.”
He didn’t wait for Will to respond again before he started walking away. His stride was fast paced and uneven as he tried to get away. He had to. He just couldn’t face Will. Not right now. He swallowed away the ache in his throat as he forced back the tears now swelling in his eyes.
The forceful wind stung against Will’s face. No words could describe the pure, deep agony that swarmed him in that moment. He pushed it down as far as he could before he turned back to the stairs and continued on his original path.
The group reunion wasn’t supposed to feel like this.
Will had imagined it to be full of laughter, noise and maybe a little bit of nostalgia, but he hadn’t imagined the nervous flutter in his chest as he stood just outside the rented community space, with Chance beside him. His fingers were threaded loosely through his own.
“You okay?” Chance asked, glancing down at him.
Will nodded promptly. “Yeah. It’s just.. they’re a lot.”
Chance smiled sweetly. “I know. You’ve told me. It isn’t going to scare me off.”
Will thought that helped a little.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with familiar chaos and excitement. Max had strung little fairy lights along the wall, and there were folding tables cluttered with snacks and sodas. Music played faintly from a record player in the distant corner.
Dustin was the first to spot them. “Oh my god,” he announced loudly, pointing in their direction. “GUYS ! HE BROUGHT A DATE !”
“I brought my boyfriend,” Will corrected automatically, even as his ears burned red with embarrassment. Chance squeezed his hand.
Lucas laughed. “About time man.”
Max walked over next, her arms were crossed and her eyes scanned over the two of them with curiosity. She looked Will up and down, then Chance. “Hi Chance.”
“Hello” Chase replied easily, his smile spreading.
“Brave,” Max replied. “Walking into this.”
Robin appeared beside her with bright eyes. “Hi! I’m Robin. People tell me I’m emotionally invasive and I ask too many questions.”
Chance laughed softly in response. Nancy and Johnathan followed more quietly. Nancy smiled warmly as she offered a polite handshake. Jonathan, however, just nodded. His eyes flickered between Will and Chance with a familiar, protective concern.
Across the room, Mike stood there, frozen. He didn’t mean to stare. He told himself he wouldn’t. But the second Will walked in, smiling like that, something painfully swirled in his ribs and he just couldn’t help himself.
Chance’s hand rested at Will’s back comfortably, and Mike hated how natural it looked.
“Dude,” Steve said under his breath, leaning in next to him. “You’re seriously glaring.”
“I’m not.”
“You totally are, come on.”
Mike side eyed him. “I’m fine.”
Steve scoffed. “Yeah sure.”
The group fell into easy, typical conversation. Dustin launched into a long explanation about his latest project, Max argued with Lucas about something trivial, Robin bounced between people energetically, and Will stayed close to Chance, laughing more than he usually did. Mike had noticed that too. And it made him feel sick.
“So,” Robin said eventually, gesturing between Will and Chance. “How long has this been a thing?”
Will hesitated at first. “A few months.”
Everyone gasped. “A few MONTHS ?!” Dustin exclaimed. “And you didn’t tell us?”
“I didn’t know how,” Will admitted. “It felt… important.”
Chance brushed his thumb against Will’s wrist. “I told him he didn’t owe anyone anything.”
Nancy nodded approvingly. “That’s healthy.”
Mike scoffed quietly.
Will heard it and glanced over. “What?”
Mike rolled his eyes. “Nothing.”
Chance frowned slightly but he didn’t comment.
The conversation moved on, but the energy had completely shifted and Will could definitely feel it.
Later, when Will took his jacket off and tossed it over a chair, Max glanced down.
“Wait.” she said, pointing. “Hold on.”
Will looked down. “What is it?”
“That belt,” Max started. “Is that new?”
Will smiled shyly. “Yeah.” He lifted the edge of his shirt just enough to show it properly. The black leather was smooth and clearly well made. Hanging from one of the loops in his jeans was a small silver charm, engraved with a single letter. C.
Chance watched him fondly.
“Chance got it for me,” Will said. “He had it custom made.”
Robin gasped. “Oh my god.”
“That’s adorable,” Nancy said immediately.
Jonathan smiled softly at Will. “It suits you.”
Everyone seemed happy. Well, everyone except Mike.
“Well,” Mike said harshly, “that’s subtle.”
The room went quiet. Will’s smile faltered. “What?”
“I mean,” Mike continued, his tone edged, “his initial? You might as well tattoo it on your forehead.”
“Mike,” Max warned.
“I’m joking,” Mike said quickly, but there was no humour behind his voice. “Relax.”
Will swallowed. “I wasn’t trying to-”
“Sure,” Mike started. “Whatever.”
Chance stiffened. “Is there a problem?”
Mike laughed bitterly. “Nope. None at all dude.”
Steve stepped in. “Okay, who wants more drinks?”
The moment passed, but the damage lingered.
Later, Robin cornered Mike near the hallway. “Okay,” she said quietly. “Explain yourself.”
“There’s nothing to explain.”
“Bullshit,” Robin said. “You’re being a total asshole Wheeler.”
Mike sighed. “I’m allowed to have opinions.”
“You’re allowed to have opinions but you don’t have to take them out on Will,” she shot back. “You know Chance, you’re roommates aren’t you? So what’s the problem?”
“That’s exactly it,” Mike snapped. “I do know him.”
“And?” Robin pressed. “He’s a nice enough guy.”
“You don’t know him like I do.”
Robin squinted her eyes. “Enlighten me.”
Mike’s hands curled into fists. “You wouldn’t get it.”
“I get more than you think I’d get.”
He looked away. “I just..can’t.”
“Mike-”
“I said I can’t.”
Robin softened. “Then stop punishing Will for something he didn’t do.”
Mike didn’t respond.
The reunion ended awkwardly. And the drifting didn’t happen all at once. If Will had been asked to pinpoint the exact moment that things started to go wrong between him and Mike, he definitely wouldn’t have been able to. There wasn’t an argument or a dramatic fallout. It was slow and just that much more gut wrenching.
At first, it was just timing. Mike stopped answering Will’s calls right away. Don’t get me wrong he didn’t ignore them or anything, but he let agonising hours pass before he returned them. And when he did, they were always brief, rushed calls. There were less jokes and less rambling. Will convinced himself that it was fine. Mike was just busy. College was like that. People changed, and the fact they had almost all of their classes on the opposite side of campus didn’t help.
Still, it hurt.
They used to talk every day. Even on the boring days. Especially on the boring days. Mike used to speak to him about stupid things like annoying professors or whatever weird thing Dustin had told him that day. And Will used to talk about the paintings he was doing, about colour palettes, or just say that he was thinking about him with no explanation or reason behind it.
But now, when Will said these things, Mike would give short and polite responses.
Will tried not to read too much into it. He really tried. But it was too hard not to notice when Mike stopped sitting next to him in group settings, or when he stopped meeting his eyes across the room, or when he stopped lingering after everyone else left. It was hard not to notice how Mike seemed to tense whenever Chance’s name came up, and how his tone sharpened in a way that made Will feel like he was doing something wrong just by existing.
Chance had noticed too. He noticed how Mike avoided being in their shared dorm, and how every time he tried to speak to him about Will, or even about the casual things they used to discuss frequently, like classes, he seemed distant.
The distance between Will and Mike stretched out, thin and painful, until Will felt like his heart would just give up if he didn’t do something. He hated confrontation, and he hated the idea of pushing where he wasn’t wanted. But the only thing he despised more was this. He despised this constant uncertainty that gnawed at his bones.
So one afternoon, after spending at least an hour staring at the wall, Will made a decision. He needed to go to Mike. He didn’t want to accuse him or demand anything. He just needed to ask, and to understand. To fix it, if he could.
He grabbed his slightly damp jacket and his keys, his heart racing as he headed for his car. The sky had started to dim, the dark clouds hanging low and heavy, the air thick with the anticipation of rain.
On the way, he started to think. And then he started to panic. He pulled into a shop near campus to grab a bottle of water.
Inside, the buzz of the fluorescent lights hummed softly above his head. He wandered the aisles slowly, his mind wandering elsewhere. He picked up some water, the cold condensation on the bottle wetting his palm.
As he left the store, the chilled evening air brushed through his hair. He took a sip and felt the cool liquid trickle down his throat before exhaling.
Will began the short walk towards his car, already rehearsing things to say to Mike.
When he was halfway there, when something caught his eye. It was someone familiar.
It was Chance.
Of course his first reaction was relief. He smiled without thinking, instinctively lifting his hand to wave-
Then he saw the girl.
She had long, curled auburn hair and the reflection of the sunset shone in her teal eyes. She was sitting on the bench beside Chance, her body turned to face him, she had one leg draped casually over his. Chance’s hand rested on her waist. Her delicate fingers were tangled in his jacket.
Will stopped.
His brain stalled, like it couldn’t process what his eyes were consuming.
Chance leaned in.
The girl met him halfway.
Their lips met. It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t a misunderstanding. It wasn’t friendly. It was deliberate, and intimate. It was real.
In the moment, Will’s world tilted.
Will felt cold all over, goosebumps raising on his neck. He felt like all the blood had drained from his body. His heart pounded violently against his ribs, each beat was loud and disorienting. He felt like he was about to be sick. He couldn’t move. He just stood there, staring, as his fingers numbed around the bottle in his hand.
Chance pulled back, smiling at the girl in a way Will recognised. In a way that had once been meant for him.
Something inside Will shattered. He couldn’t cry. Not yet. He couldn’t bring himself to shout dramatically or confront them. He walked to his car, got in and shut the door.
The silence that clouded the air was deafening. And for a second, he just sat there as his hands trembled on the steering wheel, his breath coming too fast and too shallow. His vision blurred, tears finally spilling, but he wiped them away angrily, like he didn’t have time for this. Like if he let himself feel it fully, then he might just break apart completely.
He turned the key in the ignition, and he drove.
He didn’t remember the route, or stopping at lights or turning corners. His body moved on instinct alone, as his heart dragged him forward with a single, desperate thought. Mike.
By the time he arrived outside Mike’s dorm, his hands were shaking so badly he had to hold them still to steady himself. His chest felt tight and painful, like there wasn’t enough air in the world.
He barely recalled knocking.
Then the door opened.
Mike stood there, confusion flickering across his face, confusion that turned into alarm the second he really looked at Will and his red, puffy eyes.
“Will?”
That was all it took for Will to break down. Will’s face crumpled. The tears came rapidly and uncontrollable, his breath hitched as a sob tore out of him. He couldn’t speak or explain. He just stood there, barely keeping himself stable.
Mike swore under his breath.
“Hey- hey,” he said urgently, reaching for Will. “Come inside. Come on.”
He pulled Will in by the shoulders, shutting the door quickly behind them like he was protecting him from the rest of the world. Will collapsed against him clutching at Mike’s shirt like it was the only thing left.
Mike guided him to his bed, his hands were gentle but firm.
“What happened?” Mike asked, his voice low with concern. “Will, talk to me.”
“You..why won’t you talk to me?” Will replied as more tears poured down his red cheeks.
“I talk to you, Will.”
“You totally don’t! You’re so distant and.. and you keep blowing me off like a jerk! And Chance is cheating on me but I can’t even be surprised because not even you want to be around me anymore!” It all just came out at once.
Mike paused in shock for a moment before replying carefully. “Will…I’m sorry okay? I wasn’t trying to be an asshole but..Chance? He..he cheated..? What do you mean? Are you sure?”
“I saw him. On the way here. With a girl.”
Mike pulls down his sleeve to cover his hand and wipes Will’s tears tenderly. Will looks up at him as he sniffles. “Mike..”
“Listen, we can fix this okay? What do you wanna do? You wanna get revenge?” Mike interrupts.
“Revenge?”
“Like you could kiss someone in front of him? Make him feel how you felt?” he replies.
Will exhales shakily. “Kiss someone..who?”
“I wouldn’t mind if you kissed me..,” Mike starts. “I- I mean to get revenge and everything!” He stutters.
“Really..?”
“Totally! I’d do anything for.. My best friend.”
The days after the plan were strange.
Will had to pretend he hadn’t just caught his boyfriend cheating, and that was obviously super hard. His soul felt crushed, but he couldn’t show it to anyone, other than Mike of course. When he was with Mike it was the only time he felt like himself again. The rest of the time was filled with jarring classes and tests, tasteless meals and inevitable heart breaking interactions with Chance. He tried to keep to himself and act normal but life felt muted, like he was moving through water.
And Chance had noticed.
“Are you mad at me?”
The question sprung out of nowhere one evening while they were sitting on Will’s bed, Will was cross legged with his pencil in hand and his sketchbook open but untouched. Chance was reading his new schedule, glancing over at Will every so often like he was waiting for something.
Will didn’t even look up. “No.”
Chance frowned. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” Will said, too hastily.
There was a pause.
Chance set down his schedule. “You’ve been… different.”
Will swallowed forcefully. He could feel the weight of the lie pressing down on his chest, but he kept his voice even. “I’m just tired. Midterms.”
Chance studied him for a minute, then shrugged. “Okay.” But he didn’t look convinced.
Will started taking his calls privately. Away from Chance.
At first, it was just Mike. They had quiet conversations in the stairwell, or out by the parking lot where the air was cold and the sound carried less. Will would hunch his shoulders, keep his voice low and wrap his fingers tightly around his phone.
“Has he said anything yet?” Mike would ask.
“No,” Will replied. “But he’s watching me. I can feel it.”
“Just hang on, we can do the plan soon, okay?” Mike said.
Later, Will started getting calls from other people too. Dustin, Max, Lucas and even Robin. They just did short check ins that somehow always ended up with Will suspiciously glancing over his shoulder to check Chance wasn’t around.
Chance noticed that too.
“Will, you don’t have to leave the room every time you get a call,” he said one afternoon, his tone was harsh and accusatory.
Will forced a smile. “It’s just easier.”
“For who?” Chance asked in response. Will didn’t answer. And the distance between them only grew.
Will stopped reaching for Chance’s hand in public. He stopped leaning in during movies. And he stopped wearing the belt charm.
Chance definitely noticed that.
“You don’t like it anymore?” Chance questioned one night, nodding toward the loop where the silver charm used to dangle.
Will’s stomach twisted. “I just… need a break from it.”
Chance laughed, but it was fake. “It’s a belt, Will.”
“I know.”
“Then what’s really going on?”
Will stood up. “I’m tired. I’m going to my dorm.”
Chance watched him go as unease crept into his expression.”
Chance started going out more after that. Parties, bars, late night study sessions that didn’t come with explanations. And when he did hang out with Will, he smelled like alcohol and someone else’s cologne. Sometimes he just avoided Will all together. And Will didn’t ask him where he had been going, because he didn’t even want to know.
But Mike had kept track of everything. Not obsessively, more carefully than anything. Deliberately. Every out of pocket comment Chance made in front of him, every time he complained about needing air or getting out of the dorm more. And when Mike noticed a pattern, he jumped on it.
“He’s out tonight,” Mike said over the phone, sounding more excited than he should. “Dustin mentioned he’s at a thing across campus.”
Will’s heart started to race. “Are..are you sure?”
“Positive dude. He won’t be back until late.”
Will hesitated. “Okay.”
“Come over,” Mike started. “We can… talk. Get ready.”
Will knew what he meant. He grabbed the nearest jumper, jeans and belt that he could find, and threw it on before rushing to the dorm.
Mike’s dorm felt different when Will arrived. It was quieter and more charged. The main light was off and only his dim desk lamp that lay next to his typewriter was switched on.
Mike paced while Will sat on the edge of his bed, with his hands clasped tightly in his lap.
“Okay,” Mike said, stopping suddenly. “We need to be precise.”
Will nodded in agreement. “I know.”
“When he walks in, we’re close,” Mike continued. “Not touching yet. We let him see us together first.”
Will swallowed and diverted his gaze. “And then..?”
“And then we kiss,” Mike replied, his eyes flicking up to meet Will’s. “Long enough that he can’t pretend it’s nothing.”
Will’s face burned. “Right. Yes.”
Mike softened. “Hey. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”
Will shook his head. “I do. I just…. I’ve never done anything like this..so..”
Mike gave a small, almost sad smile. “Me neither.”
They practiced where to sit and what position they should be in. They talked over where Chance would see them first, and what Will would say if Chance spoke.
“Don’t overthink it,” Mike said. “Just let him see.”
Time crawled and they checked the clock every few minutes.
Mike stepped closer. “He should be here any minute now.”
Will’s heart sank to his stomach as his breath came out in chunks.
“Okay just breathe, Will.”
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and as they grew nearer, the pair inched closer together.
“Ready?” Mike murmured as he reached out, his fingers brushing Will’s wrist.
The knock didn’t come. That was the first thing that went wrong.
The doorknob hadn’t turned and the footsteps they had heard faded down the hallway instead of stopping outside the room they were in. Will stood frozen in front of Mike, his heart hammering so loudly that he was sure it could be heard through the walls, and the tension seemed to buzz like static between them. For a moment, they both refused to move.
Mike let out a weak breath. “That wasn’t him.”
Will licked his lips. “No.”
The adrenaline didn’t disappear, though. And if anything, it hovered. It was thick, and electric. They were still standing far too close together, Mike’s hand loitered near Will’s wrist where he’d grabbed him a second ago, but neither of them pulled away. They should have, but they didn’t.
“Well,” Mike said faintly, “guess we blew that.”
Will attempted to laugh, but it came out weakly. “Yeah.”
Silence settled between them again, but it was heavier this time. The way the air was charged had nothing to do with Chance anymore.
Mike glanced towards the door, then back at Will. His eyes dropped, and lingered on the belt at Will’s waist. At the belt. That stupid belt. It was the one thing that still tied Will to Chance in this room.
Mike’s jaw tightened in disgust.“I hate that thing.”
Will blinked. “What?”
“That belt,” Mike said, sharply. “I hate it. And every time I see it, I-” he stopped himself, as his breath hitched. “It doesn’t belong to him anymore.”
Will’s pulse spiked suddenly. “Mike-”
Mike stopped forward, interrupting him. He didn’t hesitate as he reached down, his fingers curling round the silver charm hanging from Will’s belt loop. The engraved C caught the light for just a second. Mike yanked harshly, the charm tore free with a metallic snap before it clattered to the hard floor between them.
Will gasped, his breath catching as he started to open his mouth.
“I’m sorry,” Mike said immediately, but his eyes were intense. “I just- I.. I couldn’t look at it anymore.”
Will stared down at the broken loop, his chest felt tight. And then something inside of him just loosened.
“It’s fine,” Will whispered. “I didn't want it anymore anyways.”
Mike looked up at him, his eyes mapping Will’s face. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Will nodded.
The space between them shrank. Mike’s hand was still hovering at Will’s waist, fingers brushing the area where the belt had shifted. Will’s breath came shallow now, his chest moving fast.
“This was supposed to be fake,” Will said softly.
Mike struggled as he swallowed. “I know.”
Still, neither of them backed away.
Mike’s voice dropped. “Do you..do you want me to stop?”
Will shook his head and let out a low chuckle before he could form a thought. “No.”
And that was all it took in the moment. Mike leaned in slowly this time, giving Will every chance to pull away. But he didn’t. Their lips met, and it was cautious to begin with. They were afraid. Will’s hands curled into the fabric of Mike’s hoodie, grounding himself as he felt the warmth grow stronger.
Mike kissed him like he had been holding back for years. Because he had. It was soft at first, then it deepened and grew hungrier. It was like every unspoken thing between them was finally overflowing through heated touch instead of words.
Will made a small sound into the kiss before he could control himself.
Mike froze for half a second. “Okay?” he murmured against Will’s mouth.
“Yes,” Will breathed. “God, yes.”
Mike’s hand slid up Will’s side, his thumb brushing just under his ribs, sending shivers down his spine. Will etched closer, barely aware of time and space. They were so intertwined with each other that neither one of them heard the door unlock.
“Okay, before anyone freaks out, I just-”
Robin stopped dead in the doorway. “Oh,” she said faintly.
Mike and Will broke apart instantly as Robin stared at them. Will was flushed and breathless, and Mike was standing far too close. Her eyes narrowed at the broken silver charm on the floor. She blinked once. And then twice.
“...Wow,” she stated. “Okay. So this explains everything, Wheeler.”
Mike groaned. “Robin-”
“Nope,” she interrupted, holding up her hand. “Don’t talk yet. I need to process.”
Will’s face burned red with guilt. “We can explain. Chance was cheating and so we wanted to get revenge and..”
Robin’s eyes flicked to him sharply. “You don’t have to explain. I think I get it.”
She stepped fully into the room and nudged the door shut behind her. “Correct me if I’m wrong but..this isn’t really about revenge is it..?”
Mike gulped. “It is! I mean was..? It- kind of but-” he sighs, “not anymore.”
Robin nodded. “Yeah..that tracks.” She glanced down at the charm again. “Is that the one chance got you?”
Will nodded. “It was.”
Robin smiled, satisfied. “Good.”
There was a pause before she exhaled. “For what it’s worth Will, I’m proud of you.”
Will looked up. “Really?”
“Yeah,” she said gently. “Both of you, actually. You were just hurting each other by not being honest and accepting-” she gestured vaguely between them “-this.”
Mike’s expression relaxed by a fraction. “You’re… okay with this?”
Robin snorted. “Mike, I’ve been waiting for you two to get your shit together since you were about sixteen.”
Will laughed shakily.
Robin glanced at her watch. “Well, I’ll, uh, give you space. But also, I came here to tell you that Chance isn’t coming back here tonight.”
Will stiffened. “What. Why?”
“He’s at a party across town,” Robin started. “Max and Lucas told me they saw him there with a girl being a bit too affectionate.”
Will closed his eyes, and Mike’s hand found his again immediately.
Robin softened. “You’re done with that jerk, right?”
Will nodded. “Yeah. I’m done.”
“Good,” Robin said firmly. “But Mike. If you hurt Byers and his bowl cut, I will genuinely not let you live to see another day.”
Mike nodded solemnly. “That’s fair.”
Robin left. And the room felt quiet in a different way now. It wasn’t tense. It was more open.
Will sat down on the bed slowly, staring at the floor. And Mike joined him, he sat close enough that their shoulders touched slightly.
“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen like this,” Will started quietly.
“I know,” Mike added. “But I’m totally glad it did.”
Then, Will lent down and picked up the broken charm before turning it over in his fingers. He stood up and unclasped his fist as he let it fall into the trash.
Mike watched him carefully, as his chest turned and creased tightly. “So… what happens now?”
Will examined his eyes precisely before he spoke. “Now, I break up with Chance. And… you should probably change dorms.”
Mike nodded. “And us?”
Will vacillated between answering instantly or thinking his answer through more, and the pause made Mike’s heart stutter with anxiety. Then Will smiled.
“We should take it slow..” he started, “but I don't want to pretend anymore, Mike.”
Mike smiled back as exuberance masked his eyes. “Yeah, I.. I can do that.”
They leaned into each other again, this time resting their foreheads against one another. Their future felt uncertain, but it was finally honest.