sai

You used to call me on my cell phone, late night when you need my love

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ IT SHOULD'VE BEEN EASY TO LIVE A NEW LIFE; A LIFE WITHOUT CONTROL.

Those words repeated on Finn's mind every time he needed reassurance that he did the right thing; every time means twice a day for the two year duration of his life without (Y/n), a life without preclusions, restrictions and control that made him almost lose his mind.

It was now winter in New York, the breeze was getting too cold, the traffic somehow became far too unbearable, and Joe and Gaten were getting too loud. The three boys were doing their usual ❛ Boys' night ❜ in Gaten's manhattan apartment. Their boys' nights are always filled with endless film theories, music production, food, and often deep talks that sometimes ends with them crying in each other's arms that every so often diverts Finn's mind from his relationship with his ex, who's now a famous r&b sensation around the world however this night was different when he's holding a polaroid with him and (Y/n) posing during winter infront of his childhood home in Canada.

❝ Nah, all im saying man is that the Adam Sandler's cinematic universe is too important in 00's to 2010's but— umm hello earth to Finn...❞ Gaten shook his hand in front of the curly haired boy whose eyes are preoccupied by a certain photograph ❝ what are you even—ohhhhh ❞ Gaten continued now holding a mischievous smile while his eyebrows wiggled at the boy who's looking at him who's weirded out by his antics

❝ dude why are you looking at me like that—oh no! no no no ❞ Finn denied while his eyes were so wide as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't have ❝ oh yes yes yes! You know you could always call her, Finn ❞ Gaten tossed his phone to Finn with (Y/n)'s phone number displayed on the screen ❝ There's no harm in asking how she is, me and sadie do that to her everytime and I know you could do it since you guys ended peacefully—hopefully. ❞

❝ Why do you sound so unsure—Its different—we're different now Gaten, yes you guys could do that but you guy weren't the one who she had use as her subject in a well known heartbreak album! ❞ Finn defended himself talking so fast as if he was grappling something that he doesn't want to let go of ❝ Finn's right, Gaten, he shouldn't—you know? Disturb someones life because he misses the hell out of them ❞ Joe finally chimed in as he noticed lowkey spiraling out

❝ You two should remember that no matter how much or how long your relationship with someone, no matter how many calls you shared and no matter how many sweet nothings you told to each other once it ended your feelings should also end ❞ He continued as he got the remote from the coffee table ❝ Especially when your ex partner now lives a life that they dreamt of—a life where both of you benefits freedom. ❞ The older actor said as he pat Finn's back in comfort, offering a smile

❝ I know, it's just hard sometimes, even if it happened two years ago, it still haunts me an its f*cking annoying ❞ Finn sighed as he put back the polaroid in a nearby shelf ❝ healing isn't linear, Finn, but you should be happy for her ❞ Gaten said as he played the film they decided to watch

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Ever since I left the city, you got a reputation for yourself now, everybody knows and I feel left out.

your.username

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your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 2025 wrapped

nadinelustre‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ proud of you my sis 🤍

queenblackwell ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ cool asf

finnwolfhardofficial‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ❤️❤️❤️

richietrashmouthtozier‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ we love her too finn, you aren't the only one

zuziebnks_‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ been two years babe

sadiesink‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ love u!

stfan‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ finn we see you, you aint hiding shit

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You make me feel like I did you wrong, Going places where you don't belong.

viral twitter post!

( zoom in to read the captions )

❝ This is so unlike her, Nick ❞ Finn had read the twitter thread too many times he might basically remember every word that was used on the twitter post, the actor is now in canada during his break for Christmas—emphasize on the break—when he was now basically one of the trending names in X, formerly twitter, just because of his ex-girlfriend.

❝ What's unlike her? It's unlike her that she's speaking out her mind after two years of people harassing her because she kept quiet about you two, you're my brother Finn and I'm not taking any sides but she's different now, she now has the freedom to speak her mind ❞ Nick answered looking up from the book he's reading ❝ I would do that too to be honest especially if people associate me too much with my ex ❞ the older boy shrugged earning a groan from his younger brother

❝ I know, it just seems like I'm the bad guy here—she—she made me look like I was a controlling boyfriend ❞ Finn complained as he turned off his phone and putting it on the sofa with its screen facing the cushion ❝ You weren't but your lifestyle did, your demanding life made her believe it was. She told me about this after you guys broke up ❞ Nick replied ❝ Why didn't she told me that? She didn't even like doing interviews though but she's doing it now ❞ Finn ran a hand through his face groaning again his breathing unstable

❝ You gotta chill out dude, this will die down again and besides you don't have any choice but to just watch her, you know nothing about who she is now anymore. ❞ Nick stated bluntly as he pat his brother's back, offering a soft comforting touch

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Ever since I left the city, you got exactly what you asked for, running out of pages in your passport—Hanging with some girls I've never seen before.

finnwolfhardofficial posted!

finnwolfhardofficial

liked by your.username, gatenmatarazzo, jaedenwesley and 1,086,397 others

finnwolfhardofficial‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ you're kinda cool 2025

your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ❤️😍

liked by creator!

finnwolfhardofficial‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ❤️❤️❤️

suwenxcr_‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ MY PARENTS

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You don't need no one else, you don't need nobody else, no.

your.username posted!

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your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ miss independent

the creator have limited the comments

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you was in the zone, yeah, you should just be yourself, right now, you're someone else.

The humid New York City air clung to (Y/n)’s skin, making her regret the heavy vintage leather jacket she’d chosen for the shoot. She stood on a cracked sidewalk in Soho, surrounded by production assistants running around with clipboards and reflectors.

She still wasn't 100% sure why she’d said yes. Her manager had pitched it since Tyler's bag was bigger than she ever thought and honestly, when Tyler, The Creator calls your phone personally, you don't exactly send him to voicemail. But deep down, she knew the ❛ once in a lifetime ❜ excuse was a cover for the knot in her stomach.

❝Yo, (Y/n)! You look sick, for real,❞ a raspy, familiar voice boomed.

Tyler hopped off a gear crate, wearing a massive ushanka hat despite the heat and a neon green vest. He grinned, looking her up and down with that chaotic energy he always carried.

❝ Glad you came, you look good, New York had been really taking care of you huh? ❞ The older singer continued as he spun around (Y/n), the two had been close since they met in a pub last August.

❝ Trust me, New York isn't at fault here, ❞ (Y/n) joked, though her eyes kept scanning the crowd.

❝ Right, right. Big-time star, ❞ Tyler teased, then leaned in a bit, his grin turning slightly mischievous. ❝ Anyway, your co-star just hopped out of hair and makeup. I think you guys remember each other? ❞

(Y/n)’s heart did a weird, uncomfortable thud.

And then she saw him.

Walking through the maze of C-stands and black cables was Finn. He looked different—older, sharper. His curls were a bit more controlled than they were two years ago, and he was wearing an oversized knit sweater that screamed 2000s aesthetic.

When his eyes landed on her, he actually tripped over a sandbag. He caught himself, his face flushing a deep pink that she remembered all too well; he hadn't changed, huh?

❝ Wait, ❞ Finn said, his voice dropping an octave as he reached them. ❝ Tyler, you didn't say— ❞

❝ I didn't say a lot of things. Visionaries keep secrets, ❞ Tyler interrupted, looking back and forth between them like he was watching a high-stakes tennis match. He knew exactly what he was doing.

It had been two years; Two years since the paparazzi had chased them out of every restaurant in L.A., and two years since (Y/n) had decided that loving him wasn't worth the price of her privacy. She’d traded the ❛ indie actor’s girlfriend ❜ label for a top 10 billboard debut album and many sold-out tours. She had moved on—or so she told herself every time one of his movie trailers popped up on her feed.

❝ Hey, ❞ Finn said, finally standing in front of her. He looked awkward, shoving his hands into his pockets. ❝ You look... really good, (Y/n). I heard the new single. It’s been on repeat. ❞

❝ Thanks, ❞ she replied, keeping her voice steady, professional. ❝ You’ve been busy too. I saw the horror flick. ❞

❝ Yeah. It was alright. ❞ Finn bit his lip, the silence between them heavy with everything they hadn't said since the breakup. The media had turned their split into a circus, but here, on a gritty NYC street, it felt strangely quiet.

Tyler clapped his hands together, shattering the tension. ❝ Okay, cool! Reunited and it feels so mid! Listen, the vibe for this scene is: you guys are exes who see each other across a crowded street and realize the spark is still there. Method acting, right? Should be easy. ❞

Tyler turned away to scream directions at the director of photography, leaving them standing there.

(Y/n) looked at Finn, noticing the small silver ring he still wore—the one she’d bought him at a flea market years ago. ❝ He’s doing this on purpose, ❞ she whispered.

Finn let out a short, breathy laugh. ❝Standard Tyler. Are you... are you gonna be okay doing this? I can tell him to recast if it’s too weird.❞

(Y/n) adjusted her jacket, looking him dead in the eye with a confidence she’d spent two years building. ❝You're joking right? It's just a music video, Finn—I can handle a few takes.❞

❝ Right, ❞ Finn nodded, though he looked a little more shaken than she was. ❝ Just a video. ❞

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I know when that hotline bling that can only mean one thing.

She didn't know why she called him again, maybe because the alcohol is finally doing its thing, maybe the cold night was affecting her so much that she needed company or maybe it was because her feelings are now resurfacing.

❝ Didn't think you would answer ❞ Her voice was slurred as she looked up from the pavement where she is sitting on. It was now 2 a.m. on a friday and she's outside of the club she had just partied with some friends who she knew would go home much later than she would and unfortunately, her body couldn't go much any longer.

❝ Didn't think you would call ❞ the taller boy helped her get up by offering his hands as he adjusted her fur coat, ❝ You look like you need some company ❞ He continued as he helped her go to his car, his arm tightening around her hips balancing her

He was always like this; Mr. One call Away, she hated that he was still like this. (Y/n) remembered moments where he would go places to places just for her: One time where she was in Boston and needed some company for her college errands and she didn't know anyone there so she called him wanting to just talk to him about it but a few minutes later after she told him, he had sent her a plane ticket, it was worth to note that he was in California during that time to film stranger things, the day after, a knock came to her door and it was him smiling down at her.

The other time was when she was at the hospital due to excessive stress and exhaustion, she told him it was fine since he was in Europe but the morning after she saw him—their finger interwined—him fast asleep in the chair beside her hospital bed—and bouquet of lilies sitting on the table infront of her.

Now, she is now back at that same position she never thought she would see—her sitting in his passenger seat—windows down—Frank Ocean playing on his aux—and him smiling at her

❝ Good to have you back ❞ Finn looked at her during a red light ❝ Plans to stay the night? For old time's sake? ❞ he continued ❝ we'll see, Wolfhard. ❞

The morning after, she woke up on his air bnb, light shining on her face like a wake up call, she stood up from his bed and walked outside of the room and she saw him sleeping on the sofa.

(your.username) posted a story!

caption: dumps from last night

deuxmoi

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deuxmoi‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Actor Finn Wolfhard and Victoria's Secret Angel and Actress (Y/n) Cadieux are seen earlier at Los Angeles after the two had called it quits a year ago. Are the two rekindling for the 3rd time now?

dupontd.j‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ its iconic that Madison beer, one of (Y/n)'s closest friend, liked this post lol

friun.nulst‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I know they will end up together, i just know it, unfortunately...

stfaneup‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I'm too unemployed for this

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And I let you come back 'cause sticking 'round is in my nature

your.username

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your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ califphoria 📍

hunterschafer ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ummm

zendaya ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ right?!

your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎damn the bitches got me

tomholland ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ okay girll...

jennaortega ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

liked by creator!

murixn‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ romanticizing much, jk girl we support you or whatever

fruinsxtix‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ we're back in another episode of "will they break up again or say yes to the dress" like damn

finnwolfhardofficial posted a story!

twitter

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Yes, you take advantage, know how to manage my whole fucking planet

In an industry defined by fleeting moments and ever-changing headlines, some stories manage to hold the public’s attention for years. Among those is the relationship between Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard and French-Spanish actress (Y/n) Cadieux—a pair whose connection has evolved from casual industry acquaintances to one of Hollywood’s most discussed, revisited, and quietly complicated romances. However, what many close to the pair note is that these two renowned stars are not just drawn to each other—they are caught in the trap of being in love with who they could be, rather than who they are right now. Insiders describe it as an ongoing cycle in which both see endless potential in the other, often overlooking real issues in favor of imagined futures. It’s a dynamic that, while hopeful on the surface, has repeatedly pulled them back into a relationship that neither seems fully prepared to sustain.

At just 24, (Y/n) Cadieux has established herself as one of the foremost young talents of her generation. A model before transitioning into acting, she made an impressive debut as Maude Stark, Tony Stark’s niece in Iron Man 4, a role that introduced her to global audiences. She would go on to appear in Spider-Man: Homecoming up until Avengers: Endgame, where her character became an integral emotional character. Off-franchise, she showcased her range in projects like American Horror Story, The Purge, The Woman in Cabin 10, and HBO’s gritty hit Euphoria. Her career skyrocketed even further with Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025). With three highly anticipated films—The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Drama, and Red, White & Royal Blue—set for release, Cadieux stands as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand rising icons.

Wolfhard and Cadieux’s story began not on a film set, but in Tokyo, Japan, during press tours for their respective series. Meeting accidentally in a secluded cafe in Tokyo, the two connected instantly—sharing a sense of humor, a mutual respect for craft, and the rare experience of becoming global names before age twenty. What started as a brief, friendly exchange during their overlapping schedules quietly shifted into a consistent friendship throughout 2018 and early 2019.

Their friendship was fueled by shared humor, similar upbringings, and parallel experiences in young stardom while occasionally posting each other on their own individual accounts. By late 2019, the pair entered a relationship that fans described as “effortless” and “refreshingly unmanufactured.” The couple remained discreet, occasionally appearing in public but maintaining a shared preference for privacy. Their time together, spanning 2020 to late 2021, ultimately ended due to personal miscommunication, long-distance demands, and persistent—but never confirmed—rumors suggesting a third-party influence. Neither party addressed speculation, choosing instead to prioritize their personal well-being and individual careers.

Love found its way back in 2022, when the pair reconciled—reportedly thanks to the encouragement of Millie Bobby Brown, who has long been close to both. From late 2022 to early 2024, they gave their relationship another shot. They attended red carpets together, appeared in soft-launched social media posts, and even praised each other in interviews. Still, the pressures of celebrity life caught up to them. Finn’s increasingly demanding schedule, paired with what insiders described as his “uncertainty about the future,” led to another split in early 2024.

But as Hollywood loves to prove, some stories are too compelling to end. By the second half of 2025, renewed speculation emerged after Wolfhard and Cadieux were seen exiting the same New York Penthouse alongside each other. Their teams declined to comment, maintaining a longstanding approach of keeping personal matters private. While the true nature of their relationship remains unknown, Sources claim the reunion happened quietly, for reasons known only to them—a ❛soft, private mending,❜ as one insider put it.

Whether the two are rebuilding a relationship or simply revisiting a meaningful friendship, their dynamic continues to captivate both audiences and the entertainment press. In a world where relationships often exist under intense public scrutiny, Finn Wolfhard and (Y/n) Cadieux’s evolving story stands as a reminder that real connections—especially those built on mutual belief and potential—tend to find their way back despite scrutiny.

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You've been playing wicked games, you know what you do to me

The music thumped through the penthouse, low and steady, a pulse that matched the city outside. (Y/n) leaned against the railing, watching yellow cabs thread through the streets below. Madison and Emma had disappeared into the crowd moments ago, leaving Clairo by her side, sipping wine with her usual calm demeanor. The city lights reflected off her champagne flute as she tilted it, watching the bubbles rise.

❝ Seriously, he’s here, ❞ Madison’s voice echoed from across the room when she returned briefly, smirking as she nudged (Y/n). ❝ Finn. Downtown. Came straight from some studio session. Clairo said he’s keeping it lowkey, but you know… ❞ She let the implication hang, playful but pointed.

(Y/n) let the information settle, taking a slow breath. Over a year had passed since their breakup, and she had spent every month untangling herself from the version of Finn she had loved—and the version of herself that had depended on him. Now she looked a little bit more mature, confident, composed, and painfully aware that the world saw them both as perpetual ❛It❜ figures.

Clairo leaned closer, her voice soft, a tether to reality. ❝ Don’t overthink it. He’s here, but that doesn’t mean anything has to happen. Just be yourself, whatever that means right now. ❞

(Y/n) nodded, eyes sweeping the crowded room, scanning casually, not out of avoidance, but out of curiosity and then she saw him.

Finn. Leaning casually against the bar, laughing softly with someone, a drink in hand, his hair falling in that familiar, just-right way over his eyes. He wasn’t flashy, and wasn’t trying to be seen. He was just there. And for the first time in a long while, (Y/n) felt the old tug of recognition, tempered by the awareness of everything that had gone wrong.

He noticed her at the same moment, eyes widening slightly, the smile that came next hesitant but genuine. Excusing himself from the small group, he moved toward the balcony with that same casual gait that used to drive her insane with affection and irritation in equal measure.

❝ (Y/n), ❞ he said softly, as if saying her name could ground him. ❝ Hey… didn’t expect to see you here. ❞

❝ Finn, ❞ she said, calm, measured, but with a subtle edge. ❝ It’s… New York. Parties tend to be full of familiar faces. ❞ She gestured lightly at the crowd. ❝ Small world, I guess. ❞

He laughed quietly, eyes flicking to hers. ❝ Yeah. Small world. ❞ There was a pause, weighty, deliberate. ❝ You look... good. Really. Different, but good. ❞

❝ Thanks. ❞ She tilted her chin, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. ❝ You too. New hair? ❞ She let a laugh escape—light, controlled. Humor always had a way of cutting tension, he taught her that.

He rubbed the back of his neck, letting the pause stretch. ❝ Yeah… trying something new. You know… I’ve thought about us over the past year—me and Clairo also talked about what went wrong and she made me realize that during those times I was chasing the high of falling in love with acknowledgement—acknowledgement that I was more beloved when I was dating you and that I only continued it to feel the euphoric high of whatever that is. ❞

❝ And… I want to apologize—properly—after leaving you in a state of mind where I left you more questions rather than answers. ❞ he continued

(Y/n) studied him, arms crossed lightly. ❝ Apology? You left, Finn, and honestly… I think a lot of what we were was about potential. Not us. Not reality. People wanted to see us a certain way. I think… that’s why it never worked. ❞

Finn’s face softened, eyes forming a puppy dog eyes-like. ❝ I know. I can’t deny that. I loved the idea of us more than… maybe me loving you. And that—that wasn’t fair to you—or me, and I don’t want that anymore, not for us—not for anyone else. ❞

(Y/n) let out a soft breath, steadying herself. ❝ Yeah, that would be nice, but we changed—a lot has happened, and maybe doing this might not be the right time right now… unless you want to give it time? ❞

❝ I know, that's why I wanted us to take it slow, to find our past bond when we were teenagers who had realized that they needed to grow up too fast, ❞ Finn answered honestly, his voice unwavering in certainty. Suddenly Madison's voice was heard across the room calling out for (Y/n).

❝ They need me—I'll text you, maybe, when I have the chance. It's nice seeing you, Wolfhard, ❞ (Y/n) bid him goodbye, her black YSL heels clicking behind her. Finn nodded and smiled in return.

And in that moment, above the city that never truly slept, surrounded by lights, music, and the hum of other lives, they started something tentative and fragile—but hopefully, It would be theirs to own.

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I keep holding on wonder who you are without all the games

finnwolfhardofficial and your.username has posted

finnwolfhardofficial and your.username

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finnwolfhardofficial and your.username‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ we bought promise rings, happy anniversary from us in tokyo 🫶🏻❗

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I tried to stay steady in my lane but you try to make me misbehave, fucking up my energy, one day I'll be over all them wicked games.

(Y/n) posted a story!

caption: got my man again

❝ People disappear for their own reasons—don't take it like it's about you. ❞

Those words left Steve Harrington's mouth that she repeated more than times she could count felt like a slap more than a word of advice, Steve is (Y/n)'s cousin and the reason she met Will; The Will who left her emotionally drained and view love as some sort of game rather than a sacred practice.

She didn't know why this was affecting her this much when she's already talking to someone new-someone sweet-someone kind-someone who is sure of her not like Will who had left her alongside everything else in Hawkins.

A thought suddenly came to her mind; maybe the Will she knew-his smell of warm vanilla and cedarwood-the boy that used to give her drawings and flowers crafted from papers-was the version that he wanted her to know and not who he really was. But damn! She made it clear that she didn't gave a f*ck about his reputation.

The cheerleader sighed deeply that seems like she's trying to escape the thoughts that was consuming her mind so she stood up going to her white wooden closet painted with flowers she started rummaging inside to find a white shoe box, after a few minutes, she found it: the box was labeled "summer of '85" containing a few film camera videos, letters, and drawings that Will left her.

She almost burned this before in her backyard after she found out that Will left without a single goodbye but she couldn't when that stupid-cute smile-sweater loving-curly teen boy still occupied her heart.

(Y/n) got a single video tape with the label ❛ The rocking boat and his anchor ❜ a memory slipped in her mind again that almost made her eyes roll, of course! This was named by him, but she had no choice but to play it; she wanted to grieve whatever they were especially during this time when she felt like a passing air to him rather than his solace

She almost burned this before in her backyard after she found out that Will left without a single goodbye but she couldn't when that stupid-cute smile-sweater loving-curly teen boy still occupied her heart.

Ironically, after she pushed the play button the song " Every Breath You Take" by The Police, the song he sang to her when he thought she was asleep in his arms, played in her small rose colored radio that sat ontop of her vanity that further intensified the longing she felt-it felt like a punch in the gut and she accepted it.

The video was filmed by them when they went to indianapolis, the first half of summer where they felt like regular teenagers: A girl not clouded with responsibilities and a guy not clouded with uncertainties.

She couldn't help but smile that betrayed the tears streaming down her face as she watches the video through their living room television, a smile not because of joy but a smile caused by reminiscing-reminiscing a love lost to confusion.

It'd break my heart but I'd understand if you'd leave me for another man with a little less on his mind-less on his plate-less in his brain.

Unbeknownst to her, on the other side of town the 16 year old boy also had a cardboard box on top of his bed, taped shut and labeled with a shaky, borrowed Sharpie: 'Unsorted.' He knew exactly what was inside: a handful of things he couldn't throw away, mostly the detritus of a life he'd been forced to abandon. And in every fiber of those contents-a dried paper flower she didn't give to her, a ticket stub for a film he wanted to watch with her, a faint rose-colored smear of makeup-everything that was about her.

He traced the label with a thumb, his heart thudding a slow, miserable rhythm against his ribs. He felt like he, too, was unsorted.

The irony wasn't lost on him. She viewed him as her solace. She once wrote him a note along with snacks in order to comfort him after a particularly bad panic attack he'd suffered because of his nightmares of the Upside down; ❝ I will always be here for you no matter how messy you can be or no matter how confusing you can be, nerd. xx lowe ❞

He remembered reading it. He remembered the fierce, hot surge of love-and the immediate, crushing terror that followed.

Will also remember that he's a half-formed person asking a fully realized girl to wait, to pause her life, to accept a love that might disappear every time he faced a difficult truth about himself. He couldn't-he wouldn't-be that selfish.

The easiest, cruelest solution had been to vanish. To rip off the bandage in one quick, painful motion. No farewell meant no witnessing the moment her face realized the boy who smelled like vanilla and cedarwood was a scared kid who couldn't handle the weight of her trust.

He was a half-formed person asking a fully realized girl to wait, to pause her life, to accept a love that might disappear every time he faced a difficult truth about himself. He couldn't-he wouldn't-be that selfish.

❝

To my Dearest, lowe,

I saw you the other day. You were wearing the cheer uniform, and you looked incredible-you know you always do. My feet moved before my head did; I almost walked right up to you, ready to say something, anything. Then I froze. I stopped myself. I guess I'm just scared to face you, scared of the hurt I know is still there because of me.

But right now I have to be honest: I felt some sort of happiness when I saw you with Marcus you two seem so happy because you need someone steady now, someone who isn't always fighting shadows and that someone is him-It would break my heart to see you with someone else but you don't deserve a mess-someone like me.

I owe you so much more than the silent treatment I gave you at the end. I wasn't acting distant to hurt you; I was trying to make my leaving easier on me, which was the cruelest, most selfish thing I've ever done to you.

Still Longing afar,

Will

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ❞

Of course, everything that was stated will forever be embedded in his mind, he was a coward-a coward that chose to ignore the girl who might be the love of his life.

He stopped writing, reading it again then folding it like it was sacred, he put it in a small blue box along with other letters and the pictures they took of eachother and of each other.

Flashhback

❝ Remember Will Byers? The boy who left town for some reason, they're back. ❞

Maddy, her co-cheer captain, told her over the telephone, her voice laced with cheerfulness and gossipy in nature. (Y/n) stiffened in her bed-her breath hitched as every memory she and Will had was now swarming her mind, drowning out Maddy's voice.

She saw them suddenly: summer light pouring through the window of the cabin they'd rented in Indianapolis, Will tracing the lines of her palm with a charcoal pencil before kissing her there, whispering that her hand felt like the future. She remembered his frantic, cute laughter when they tried to ride a tandem bike and immediately crashed into a pile of brightly colored leaves. Then there was the specific warmth of his sweater, the way he smelled of warm vanilla and cedarwood, as he sang ❛ Every Breath You Take ❜ poorly but sweetly into her hair, convinced she was asleep.

The sharpest memory, the one that always hurt the most, was the last time he talked to her during their loot night in Indionopolio paving

Now, he was back, and (Y/n) had no choice but to act like she's fine. "He's going to go to attend Hawkins next week again, Madeleine, Dustin Henderson's friend, told me " Maddy confirmed over the phone, her voice now a cautious murmur rather than a cheerful gossip. Maddy was referring to the new boy, the sweet, kind, sure guy (Y/n) had been seeing casually for the past two months. Hawkins was the big mall twenty minutes away.

"Okay," (Y/n) replied, her voice unnaturally even. "Good for him." She added before hanging up, she couldn't carry on talking about him, the cheerleader sighed deeply gathering herself to be ready for what she would do.

Her telephone dropped onto her comforter as she pressed the heel of her hands to her eyes. Cheer practice was in three hours. She’d have to put on the uniform, pull her hair into a perfect high ponytail, shout counts, throw girls into the air, and pretend that her chest wasn’t cracking open.

A week later, (Y/n) had thrown on an elaborate outfit: cropped, deep crimson sweatshirt, worn deliberately pulled off one shoulder to reveal the clean, stark white of the halter tank top beneath and a wide leg dark-wash denim paired with platform boots and the cheer varsity jacket tied around her bag. EShe looked at the mirror one last time smiling at herself, she knew this would turn heads especially his.

The moment she reached Hawkins' High, she was bracing herself to see him, she walked through the hallway alongside her cheer members and then She saw him and he's taller, face more defined, and gone was the cute bowl cut hair he once had during the summer, ❝ He changed ❞ The cheerleader said to herself admiring the boy she once and still is madly in love with but suddenly a hand was suddenly placed on her waist.

Then she saw him smiling down at her, Marcus Craige, Star Basketball player and Point Guard—Hawkin's Golden boy and the guy who had covered, but now resurfaced, bruise that Will had left in her heart.

She exchanged a force smile at Marcus, hoping that the boy wouldn't notice that her eyes told a different story, as she walked past Will Byers and The Party alongside Marcus who was kissing her temple, she couldn't but offer a smile to him but in exchange she got a blank stare from Will then walked right past her.

The Cheerleader frowned subtly, wondering why he would act like that.

Please do not lean on me, I'm unstable, You're all you need, I've seen it, you're able.

A few weeks later, The park was a skeletal portrait of autumn: trees stripped bare, the air smelling of wet leaves and the distant, metallic promise of snow. The swing set, once a site of frantic, joyful momentum, stood perfectly still, the chains frosted with morning dew. Will sat on one of the wooden benches, his sweater sleeves pulled to the end of his hands, the cold seeping through the denim of his jeans. He hadn't meant to come here, but his walk had been less a stroll and more an escape from the Wheeler house, where the silence of Karen’s disappointment was louder than Mike’s frantic, oblivious chatter about Dungeons and Dragons.

He hadn't been here five minutes when he saw her.

(Y/n) emerged from the row of bare oaks, hands tucked deep into the pockets of a thick, brown leather jacket, her shoulders hunched against the chill. She wasn't wearing her cheerleader bravado tonight. She looked small, contemplative, the kind of honest vulnerability he hadn't allowed himself to witness since the summer of '85.

She stopped abruptly when she saw him. Not with the sudden stiffness of their high school encounter, but with a slow, heavy recognition. It was as if two people, long separated by a great distance, had finally realized they were standing on opposite banks of the same narrow, frozen river.

She walked towards the bench, the crunch of dead leaves under her boots the only sound that dared to break the profound quiet.

❛❛ I guess… this is where the people who are avoiding home end up ❜❜ (Y/n) finally broke the deafening silence as she sat beside him

Will nodded, watching a shard of light catch the sadness in her eyes. It was a sadness he had caused, a damage he had inflicted, and seeing it was far worse than the blank stare he had received at the school.

❛❛ I didn’t think you came here anymore. ❜❜ Will said to her suprised

❛❛ I don’t. Not since… I started trying to find places that didn’t feel like I was talking to a ghost. ❜❜ He flinched. The word ghost resonated with the way he felt—a faded impression of the boy she’d loved, haunted by the demons he couldn't share.

The cheerleader finally turned her attention to him, her voice low, steady, and utterly drained of pretense.

❛❛ Why here, Will? Why now? You didn’t even look at me the other day. Now we’re sitting in the one place where we used to talk about… everything. ❜❜

❛❛ I know. I know how it looked. ❜❜ He rubbed his hands together, trying to warm them, though the cold was internal. ❛❛ I didn’t leave you a note. I didn’t call. I just… vanished. And I know what Steve said to you, about it not being personal. But I need you to know. ❜❜

He paused, searching for the right words, the words that could be honest without being selfish.

The more that we both try to fight it the harder it's gon' be, I wish that we could stand united, instead we're crumblin'.

❛❛ The more that we both try to fight it, the harder it’s gonna be for us. I wasn’t fighting you, (Y/n). I was fighting the fact that I was scared to death of what being with me would do to you. ❜❜

She finally moved, pushing off the tree to sit at the far end of the bench, leaving a chasm of splintered wood between them.

❛❛ You could have told me you know? I loved you so much—even now—I have a choice too you know? when it about us ❜❜ the cheerleader wiped the tears forming in her eyes

Will felt the familiar, crushing weight of guilt settle onto his shoulders. Her tears, quickly wiped away, were a devastating testament to the injury he had inflicted. He watched her pull the sleeves of her brown leather jacket down over her hands, mimicking his own habit, and the small, mirrored action was a fresh stab of pain.

❛❛ I know you had a choice. That’s exactly why I had to leave. I saw your choice, (Y/n), and it was me. And you didn’t deserve the version of me I was going to give you. ❜❜ He shifted on the bench, pulling his gaze from the frosted swing set to look directly at her.

❛❛ That whole summer, I felt like I was on borrowed time. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop—the next gate, the next shadow, the next time I wouldn’t be myself. You made me feel whole, like the messiness didn’t matter. But it does. You’re like a sun, (Y/n). You shine bright. I was afraid that if I stayed, if I let you keep choosing me, you’d end up losing that. That your future would get tangled up in my uncertainty. ❜❜ He said as he looked away from her, voice shaky, encompassing the quiet park, the empty swings.

❛❛ I needed to give you the chance to choose a future that was certain. Someone who wouldn't disappear, whose mind wasn't half-occupied by what lurked beneath this town. I needed you to realize that you are all you need, I’ve seen it, you're capable. And I couldn't let my love, which I knew was strong enough to keep you tethered to me, stop you from realizing that. ❜❜ the younger byers continued

❛❛ Did you ever ask yourself that maybe being lost in you was what I wanted? ❜❜ (Y/n) said to him, her voice laced with seriousness and sincerity.

❛❛ But I know you would choose what you thought was right for you rather than thinking of what could be the better thing for us. ❜❜ the cheerleader left after she said that not wanting to hear another mindless explanation from him anymore.

I know that you gon' always love me in spite of things you've seen — in spite of things you've heard me say no matter how obscene.

❛❛ You have got to stop running from her, you're only fooling yourself that you're over her. ❜❜

Jonathan Byers told his younger brother who's spacing out sitting in the stained sofa at the Wheeler's basement, The room was bathed in the warm, yellow glow of a single lamp, a small beacon against the early evening chill.

Jonathan didn't look up from the vintage 35mm camera he was meticulously cleaning, but his voice was heavy with the weariness of an older brother who had been watching the same self-inflicted damage loop for months.

Will flinched, the words were like a punch in the gut where he was left fatal. He tried to muster the blank apathy he’d practiced, the same one he’d used so flawlessly in the school hallway, but after the encounter in the park, it felt like it wasn't working anymore.

❛❛ I’m not running, ❜❜ Will mumbled, his voice tight. ❛❛ I just—I just need to find mike. We were supposed to sketch out the crawl plan tonight. ❜❜

❛❛ You need to stop lying, ❜❜ Jonathan countered, placing his mug down with a soft thud. ❛❛ I saw your face after you came back from the park. You were terrified, Will. Not because of a monster or a gate, but because she cried. Because she told you that you were broken and she was doing it with you. ❜❜

Will’s shoulders slumped. He felt hollowed out, as if the entire weight of his love and cowardice was weighing out . He remembered her face—the genuine hurt, the terrible understanding—and the potential finality of her decision to walk back to her ‘stable world.’

❛❛ She’s with Marcus, ❜❜ Will said, the name tasting like ash in his mouth. ❛❛ She deserves Marcus. He’s everything I told her she needed. He’s certain. She’s the Golden Girl, the perfect answer. She needs that steady hand. ❜❜

❛❛ And you’re certain of her, ❜❜ Jonathan pointed out, leaning back against the sofa. ❛❛ That’s the difference. You know, without a doubt, that she still loves you. She practically screamed at you, didn't she? That she was only choosing Marcus because you made her choice for her. You left her because you thought you were protecting her, but you were really protecting yourself from the fear of being loved fully, chaos and all. ❜❜

❛❛ I'm just saying don't let your uncertainty make you lose the girl of your dreams. ❜❜ The older brother continued as he smiled that simply told his younger brother to "Get your shit together"