in all seriousness, if byler turns out to be a case of queerbaiting, it’s genuinely disgusting. i’m in my early 20s and i’ve already come to terms with my sexuality, but younger audiences rely so heavily on characters like will to imagine happiness where they want it most. that’s why brushing off will’s very clear wants (mike) with a “meh, actually, here’s an epilogue boyfriend instead” makes me physically recoil.
the duffer brothers should be held accountable if byler doesn’t happen. they shut down ronance almost immediately, yet have gone out of their way to consistently hint at byler, while making comments like “wait and see, i’m sure the fans will be happy.” as much as i want to have confidence, being let down would be heartbreaking on a level i can’t even articulate.
fourteen-year-old me found so much comfort in will — as a young, confused, closeted lesbian — and i just want to see a beautiful, slow-burn romance for a boy who has spent his entire life suffering in the dark.
